About the WLORCA Transition
Uniting expertise for stronger watersheds and safer communities
The conservation authorities of the Western Lake Ontario region are working together to establish the Western Lake Ontario Region Conservation Authority (WLORCA), a new organization that will build on the strengths, expertise, and local knowledge of the watershed communities we serve.
WLORCA will bring together four conservation authorities that have long been dedicated to protecting natural resources, managing natural hazards, conserving greenspaces, and connecting people with nature. Through this transition, we are creating a stronger regional organization while maintaining a commitment to local watersheds, local communities, and local service delivery.
The transition is focused on creating a seamless experience for residents, municipalities, landowners, partners, and visitors while enhancing our ability to protect and manage the natural systems that connect us.
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The transition to WLORCA will not interrupt current programs and services. Please continue to contact HCA for permits, planning and development reviews, conservation area information, stewardship programs, education initiatives, and other services. Local staff, offices, and existing service channels remain available throughout the transition period.
A Region Connected by Water
The Western Lake Ontario region is defined by the watersheds that flow into the western end of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Hamilton Harbour.
From the Niagara Escarpment to the shorelines of the Great Lakes, the region includes rivers, creeks, wetlands, forests, conservation lands, agricultural landscapes, and some of Canada’s fastest-growing urban communities. These interconnected natural systems support healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities, and climate resilience across the region.
While each watershed has its own unique characteristics and environmental challenges, they are linked by shared water resources, natural heritage systems, and a common responsibility to protect the region’s environmental future.
Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
Bringing together the knowledge and skill of four conservation authorities through collaboration, watershed expertise, and a shared commitment to community resilience.
Map of the Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority showing Credit Valley, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Western Lake Ontario Region Conservation Authority (WLORCA) is a new conservation authority being established through the consolidation of four existing conservation authorities (Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation, Hamilton Conservation Authority and Niagara Peninsula Conservation) serving communities across the Western Lake Ontario region.
WLORCA will continue to deliver essential watershed management, natural hazard management, conservation, stewardship, education, planning, permitting, and conservation lands services while building a stronger, more integrated organization for the future.
The Government of Ontario has directed the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional organizations to strengthen watershed management and provide more consistent services.
For our region, the creation of WLORCA is intended to strengthen service delivery, improve operational efficiencies, and create a sustainable organization that can effectively address current and future environmental challenges across the Western Lake Ontario region.
The new organization will build on the strengths and expertise of the four existing conservation authorities while continuing to provide local watershed services and support to municipalities, residents, and community partners.
The Conservation Authorities Act defines the transition date as February 1, 2027, or a later date prescribed by regulation. We will share transition updates and progress on this page and through our regular communications channels.
WLORCA recognizes the importance of local watershed knowledge, relationships, and community partnerships. The goal of the consolidation is to strengthen service delivery while maintaining a strong local connection to the communities and watersheds we serve.
Each Project Executive is being supported by a Transition Committee that will meet monthly from September to January to support the development of a Transition Plan for their region. Each committee is made up of two representatives from each conservation authority – the General Manager/CAO and a Board member.
The Transition Committee for the Western Lake Ontario region has begun meeting. They received Terms of Reference for the Committee and an overview of the transition process and timeline. Members provided input on how to keep stakeholders and
partners informed throughout the transition process and are now overseeing progress and providing input on the development of the Transition Plan.
Transition Committee for Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
Jacqueline Johnson, Project Executive, Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
- CVC
- Michael Palleschi
- Terri Hamilton
- CH
- Gerry Smallegange
- Chandra Sharma
- HCA
- Brad Clark
- Lisa Burnside
- NPCA
- Robert Foster
- Leilani Lee-Yates
The goal of the transition is to ensure seamless delivery of services before, during, and after consolidation.
Residents, landowners, municipalities, developers, community groups, and visitors can continue to access programs and services through their local conservation authority during the transition period.
Planning and development review, permitting, and regulatory services will continue throughout the transition process. Existing conservation authorities remain responsible for delivering these services
Additional information regarding processes under WLORCA will be communicated as the transition progresses.
Conservation areas, parks, trails, campgrounds, nature centres, and recreation facilities will continue operating throughout the transition.
Any future changes to programs, services, fees, or operations will be communicated in advance.
At this time, existing memberships, permits, program registrations, and bookings remain valid and unaffected.
As transition planning continues, any changes affecting customers will be communicated well in advance.
The Hamilton Conservation Foundation remains committed to supporting local conservation initiatives, projects and priorities within the HCA watershed.
Donations will continue to be managed in accordance with donor intentions and applicable agreements, with a focus on ensuring contributions benefit the local environment and communities.
As we transition to the new regional conservation authority model, supporting local conservation priorities will remain an important consideration.
Local programs and services are not changing as a result of consolidation. Continue to use the fees, office locations and contact details listed on your local conservation authority’s website.
Updates on the transition will be shared regularly through this webpage.
We will continue adding information about regional governance, transition milestones and how the participating conservation authorities are working together to support local watersheds and communities.
You can also follow HCA news and subscribe to the HCA’s newsletter. If your question is not answered here, contact us so we can help and use recurring questions to improve these FAQs.
We encourage visitors to check this page for the latest information regarding the creation of WLORCA.
You can visit the Government of Ontario’s website for information on Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency who is leading the transition.
