Conservation authorities across Midwestern Ontario say they were caught off guard by the province’s announcement to create a new centralized agency overseeing their work, but most are taking a cautious "wait and see" approach as consultations begin.
Last week, the provincial government announced that it will establish the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA), a new body that would oversee modernization projects, including a single digital permitting platform and potential regional consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into fewer watershed-based entities.
The province says the move is intended to "cut red tape," deliver faster and more consistent permitting for housing and infrastructure projects, and provide stronger, more efficient flood protection and watershed management.
However, conservation officials across the region say the details remain unclear. "It comes as a big surprise," said Grey Sauble Conservation Authority CAO Tim Lanthier. "It’s a pretty dramatic change that they’re proposing, but at this point we have very limited information about what’s being proposed or how it’s going to play out."
Lanthier said Grey Sauble is waiting for the province’s Environmental Registry posting, expected to open a 45-day consultation period, before offering formal comment. "We’ll work with the province to find the best possible solution for our communities," he said, noting that conservation authorities have already been adapting to significant legislative changes over the past five years.
While the Ford government argues that inconsistencies in permitting timelines and administrative overlap justify a provincewide overhaul, some local authorities say the current system already operates under strict standards. "Conservation authorities have been doing all that already," Lanthier said, referring to provincial timelines and performance tracking for development permits. "We even developed our own internal targets that are more stringent than what’s required."
The province has emphasized that front-line staffing and local programs, such as flood management, drinking water protection, and trail operations, will not be reduced under the new model. But several leaders say consolidation raises questions about local representation and watershed autonomy.
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority General Manager Erik Downing said the proposal could dilute the local governance model that’s been in place since conservation authorities were first created 80 years ago. "A strength of conservation authorities was our local governance, where municipalities in the watershed had direct input," Downing said. "With amalgamation, it becomes more difficult for local interests to be incorporated in that model."
Downing added that the proposal came without prior discussion with Saugeen Valley or other authorities in the region, and that his agency will participate in the consultation process "constructively but cautiously."
"We’re eager to provide consistent feedback through Conservation Ontario and with our member municipalities," he said. "The water still flows, and flood risk remains, so these programs must continue.”
At the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority, Board Chair Ray Chartrand echoed a similar message, describing the situation as "business as usual" for now but with many unanswered questions. "We were assured this isn’t a cost-cutting measure," Chartrand said. "It’s about streamlining permits so things are consistent across Ontario. But there’s still a lot to learn before we can say what this means locally."
Chartrand, who also sits on Huron East council, said he plans to meet with staff and the board this week to review the proposal and prepare comments for the province. "We’re committed to protecting our local watersheds and being part of the consultation," he said. "But we want to understand how this will affect municipalities that fall under multiple conservation authorities, like ours."
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), which is Ontario’s largest watershed agency, also confirmed it will review the legislation once posted and provide detailed input through the Environmental Registry.
GRCA Chair John Challinor II said in a written statement that the agency will take a "constructive, fulsome, and insightful" approach to the consultation process, while continuing to balance flood protection, environmental management, and housing priorities. "The GRCA is committed to being part of the solution that balances effective watershed management with Ontario’s housing goals," Challinor said, adding that the authority will hold a special meeting on Thursday, November 6 to discuss the announcement.
Similarly, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority said it appreciates the opportunity to work with the province to "modernize and streamline" services but noted that the restructuring is not expected to begin until late 2026 or 2027.
While some local leaders see opportunities for better coordination and resource-sharing, others warn that centralization could weaken the connection between conservation authorities and the communities they serve.
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority Chair Ed McGugan said the province’s emphasis on consistency and efficiency could bring improvements, but only if local voices remain central to decision-making. "We’ve been talking about ways to improve how conservation is administered for years," McGugan said. "The opportunity now is to make sure the things that really matter, like flood prevention, erosion safety, and drinking water protection, stay at the top of the list.”
McGugan said he believes collaboration will be key to ensuring the province’s goals align with local priorities. "When we work together, we get better results for everyone," he said.
For now, most conservation authorities say the real discussion begins once the province opens the formal consultation period. Until then, the consensus across the region is cautious optimism mixed with uncertainty. "There’s a lot more information to come," Chartrand said. "We’re all waiting to see what this really means."
