On November 7, the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) recently released a proposal to consolidate the province’s 36 conservation authorities (CA) into seven regional CAs. The province is proposing to merge the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) and South Nation Conservation Authority (SNC) with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, and the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority to form the St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority.

The Conservation Authorities Act, enacted in 1946, empowered municipalities to create local CAs and share watershed management costs. The RRCA was established 62 years ago by local municipalities in response to severe environmental challenges in the region, including drought, deforestation, erosion, and flooding. SNC was established 78 years ago.

Under local municipal direction, the RRCA offers watershed protection and environmental services tailored to community needs. These services include Conservation Areas (Cooper Marsh, Gray’s Creek, and Charlottenburgh Park), source water protection, natural hazard management, and stewardship programs. SNC’s Conservation Areas include Jessup’s Falls near Plantagenet and smaller recreational areas in Casselm and St-Albert.  

The province is proposing to deliver CA services through a regional model. The RRCA, SNC and their member municipalities are reviewing the province’s proposal and providing feedback on the importance of preserving local municipal representation and the value of community-focused service delivery offered to the residents, businesses, developers, farmers, and municipalities in RRCA’s and SNC’s watershed jurisdiction.

The province’s proposed new CA boundaries can be viewed on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) website at ero.ontario.ca (posting 025-1257). The province is seeking feedback on the proposed boundaries, transition process, and future governance. Feedback can be submitted on the ERO website and will help inform future proposed changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. The consultation period is currently open and closes on December 22, 2025.

To learn more about the RRCA’s programs and services, visit rrca.on.ca or contact (613) 938-3611 or [email protected].