Current & Past Articles » General News

Council pushes back against Provincial plan to consolidate Conservation Authorities

December 18, 2025   ·   0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bill 68, the Plan to Protect Ontario Act, along with Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) Posting 025-1257, proposes major changes to how conservation authorities operate across the province.

Under the proposal, Ontario’s 36 existing conservation authorities would be merged into seven regional conservation authorities, and the legislation, if passed, would amend the Conservation Authorities Act to create the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency.

The provincial agency would oversee conservation authorities and the transition to a regional watershed-based framework for conservation authorities in Ontario.

They are currently seeking feedback on the proposed boundaries and the criteria used to inform them for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities.

During the December 16 Council Meeting, Councillor Christina Early brought forward a motion for the Council of the Town of Caledon to not support the proposed consolidation of conservation authorities as outlined, and instead affirm their support for strong, local, watershed-based conservation authority governance with meaningful municipal representation.

The motion also calls on the Province to pause the implementation of the proposed changes and to work with municipalities, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to explore options that improve consistency and efficiency without undermining local decision-making.

It’s stated that the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel rely on conservation authorities for technical expertise, natural hazard management, and environmental services that help guide safe and sustainable growth.

The motion notes that conservation authorities across Ontario have raised concerns that this model could weaken watershed-based decision-making, reduce local municipal input, and disrupt programs that protect people, property, and natural systems.

Council approved the motion unanimously on consent.

Similar concerns have been raised in surrounding communities; the Council of the Town of Orangeville also moved to strongly urge the Provincial Government of Ontario to withdraw all sections of Bill 68 related to amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act, and to request that the province reintroduce any proposed changes as a standalone bill, at its Council meeting held on December 8.

         

Readers Comments (0)