• As of April 2026, the amalgamation of Ontario's conservation authorities is in the pre-implementation/transition planning stage, following a formal announcement by the provincial government on March 10, 2026. The Province is moving to consolidate 36 existing conservation authorities into 9 new regional authorities, with full implementation set for early 2027. This includes the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.

  Here is the current status and next steps based on the latest information:

• Finalized Regional Model: The government has finalized the map to 9 regional authorities (increased from an earlier 7-region proposal),
• Transition Structure: The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) was established via Bill 68 in late 2025 to lead the transition. Transition Committees will be established for each new region, starting in May 2026, to oversee the merger.
• Legislative Action: The government plans to table legislation in Spring 2026 to amend the Conservation Authorities Act to implement these changes, ensuring assets and liabilities are transferred to the new regional entities.
•  Timing:
• • Spring 2026: Legislation and regulatory changes.
  • May 2026 to Early 2027: Active transition period.
  • Feb 1, 2027 (Target): New regional authorities officially in place.

• Current Operations: Despite the announcement, existing conservation authorities continue to operate, with no immediate changes to services or programs during the transition period.

  Key Regional Changes announced March 2026:

• Western Lake Erie Region: Includes Upper Thames River, Essex Region, St. Clair Region, and Lower Thames Valley.
• Western Lake Ontario Region: Includes Hamilton, Niagara Peninsula, Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley.
• St. Lawrence River Region: Combines Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, South Nation, and Raisin Region.

• The new regions are primarily watershed-based, covering southern Ontario and northern areas.
  
  
  

  The 9 New Regional Conservation Authorities

• Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (Note: Lakehead Region CA remains a stand-alone, separate entity in the final plan)
• Northeastern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Western Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (Covers areas like Thames River, Grand River)
• Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority
• Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority
• Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• St. Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority

• 
  Crowe Valley CA will fall under the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, along with:

• Cataraqui Region CA
• Crowe Valley CA
• Ganaraska Region CA
• Lower Trent Region CA
• Otonabee Region CA
• Quinte CA
• Kawartha Region CA

Some conservation authorities have expressed concerns about the pace of the transition, the loss of local watershed-based management, and potential impacts on services.

What does a Conservation Authority do?

Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) are local watershed management agencies responsible for protecting people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion, managing natural resources, and regulating development in sensitive areas (wetlands, shorelines). They oversee over 150,000 hectares of conservation land, including forests and wetlands, and manage water resources such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Natural Hazard Management: Protecting public safety by managing risks from flooding, erosion, and drought, including creating, maintaining, and operating water control structures (dams, berms).

Environmental Protection & Restoration: Protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing natural habitats (wetlands, forests, fisheries) within their watershed jurisdictions.

Regulation and Permitting: Reviewing and issuing permits for development activities—such as housing developments or sewage system installations—within or adjacent to floodplains, shorelines, or wetlands to ensure they do not create safety hazards.

Land Management: Owning and managing over 500 conservation areas, providing recreational opportunities, nature education, and protecting natural heritage sites.

Watershed Stewardship: Promoting stewardship practices that lead to healthy watersheds, including tree planting and protecting groundwater.

Source: https://conservationontario.ca/