Frequently Asked Questions
Category 1: Mandatory Programs and Services, such as natural hazard management
Category 2: Municipal Programs and Services at the request of a Municipality, such as tree planting services and technical research to help inform decision-making
Category 3: Other Programs and Services determined by the Conservation Authority to further the purposes of the Conservation Authorities Act, such as restoration and stewardship.
Guiding principles and objectives that guide the design and delivery of programs and services.
A summary of existing technical studies, monitoring programs and other information on natural resources the Conservation Authority relies on within its area of jurisdiction or in specific watersheds that directly informs and supports the delivery of programs and services.
A review of programs and services to:
- Identify and analyze issues and risks that limit the effectiveness of the delivery of the programs and services; and
- Identify actions to address the issues and mitigate the risks identified by the review and providing a cost estimate for the implementation of those actions.
What is a watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow, and drains or seeps into a marsh, stream, river, lake or groundwater. Gravity and the land's topography (the high and low areas) move water, rain, and snowmelt across the landscape from one area to another.
Similar to the branch of a tree, creeks empty into streams, which then empty into larger streams, eventually forming one main trunk, or river. The streams and rivers in the Niagara watershed drain either to Lake Ontario, Niagara River or Lake Erie. Homes, farms, cottages, forests, small towns, big cities and more can make up watersheds.
What is watershed management?
Conservation Authorities rely on an integrated watershed management approach which requires them to manage human activities and natural resources, together, on a watershed basis, taking into consideration the connected interests and needs of the environment, economy and society.
NPCA is a local watershed management organization that works with many partners, including our communities and municipal, provincial, and federal governments, year-round to provide the best scientific information on the health of the watershed to inform decisions.
What is a conservation authority responsible for?
Conservation authorities are responsible for the management of watershed health by providing programs and services designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the watershed (other than gas, coal and minerals).
They follow a holistic and integrated watershed management approach and use evidence based, scientific data to inform their work.
Why is NPCA developing a Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy?
Each Conservation Authority in Ontario is required to prepare a Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy, which is mandated through the updated Conservation Authorities Act and implementing Ontario Regulation 686/21.
Effective January 1, 2022, Ontario Regulation 686/21 (O. Reg. 686/21) prescribes the mandatory programs and services conservation authorities would be required to provide, including core watershed-based resource management strategies.
Conservation authorities are required to prepare an Inventory of Programs and Services to identify:
The Inventory of Programs and Services for the NPCA was completed in 2022, in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation Authorities Act.
The strategy must be completed by December 31, 2024, and the Conservation Authority must ensure that interested parties and the public are consulted during the preparation of the strategy and that it is made publicly available.
What is the purpose of the Watershed-Based Resource Management Strategy?
The goal of the strategy is to ensure that NPCA’s programs and services respond to watershed issues and reflect the organization’s mandate under the Act.
As identified by Ontario Regulation 686/21, the strategy must include the following:
4. A process for the periodic review and update of the Strategy that ensures interested parties and the public are consulted.
The Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy is a living document and will be updated to address changing times and priorities.
The NPCA’s Strategic Plan provides overall guidance regarding programs and services. The Watershed Strategy provides a finer level of guidance for the delivery of programs and services and will be updated to address issues and opportunities as required.
Lastly, program-specific strategies and plans will provide details for program implementation and are intended to be consistent with the goals, objectives and guidance from the NPCA’s Strategic Plan and Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy.
How will the survey responses be used?
We value the feedback and input provided by members of the community who take time to participate in this process.
NPCA is committed to reviewing this feedback and including it, as appropriate, in the development of the Watershed Strategy, as well as continued engagement with the public through the implementation of the strategy.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy must be finalized and approved by the NPCA Board of Directors by December 31, 2024, in accordance with Provincial legislation.
Who should I contact if I have further questions regarding this Strategy?
Tara Gaade – Program Coordinator, Watershed Strategies and Climate Research - tgaade@npca.ca
Who should I contact if I have general questions about the NPCA?
For general information about the NPCA, please visit our website at www.npca.ca
For general inquiries, please call us at 905-788-3135, or email us at info@npca.ca