Proposed Consolidation of Eastern Ontario Conservation Authorities

Press Release – Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

The Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) proposes to consolidate Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) with four other conservation authorities to form the St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority, an area over 18,500 km2 and 46 municipalities.  

The province is also proposing to establish a new provincial agency to oversee the activities of the regional conservation authority with the powers to direct regional strategic planning, and financial and operational matters.

The 11 municipalities that sit on MVCA’s Board of Directors would fund the new region and help fund the new provincial agency. No details have been provided regarding how local municipalities would retain meaningful oversight of the new regional authority and control increases to municipal levies. Currently, municipalities fund approximately 68% of MVCA’s annual operating budget compared to a combined provincial and federal contribution of 5%.

Since 2020, over $3 million of local municipal dollars have been invested in the eleven dams and six conservation areas owned or managed by MVCA. MVCA was able to secure an additional $1.38 million in grants to help implement those capital works. Currently, MVCA is undertaking final design of a $6 million replacement of the Kashwakamak Lake Dam for which it is receiving a 40% grant from the federal government.

MVCA was established in 1968 when the municipalities of the Mississippi and Carp river watersheds agreed to work together to address aging dams, manage natural hazards and enhance land conservation. For over 50 years MVCA has established and maintained conservation areas; built, maintained, and operated dams; provided water data and flood warnings to landowners; and provided local stewardship programs and outdoor education to generations of students. MVCA is managed by local elected leaders, is located in the watershed, and supports the activities of community partners.

The province’s proposed new CA boundaries can be viewed on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) website at www.ero.ontario.ca (posting 025-1257). The province is seeking feedback on its proposal. Feedback can be submitted on the ERO website. The commenting period ends December 22, 2025.