Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) acknowledges the announcement by the Government of Ontario on October 31 outlining its intention to introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act to establish a new provincial agency to provide leadership, governance and strategic direction for Ontario’s conservation authorities. Further, the Province will consult on proposed boundaries for regional consolidation of Conservation Authorities. The Province of Ontario news release is online at news.ontario.ca.
HCA remains fully committed to delivering its core programs and services — including protecting people and property from natural hazards, managing watershed lands and recreational trails, supporting drinking-water source protection, and providing environmental education and public access to nature. These will continue without interruption.
While the full details of the proposed changes are still being developed, HCA will work with Conservation Ontario, which represents Ontario’s conservation authorities, in the coming weeks to provide input into the proposal. The Province has indicated that a 45-day public consultation will be held on the Environmental Registry of Ontario regarding the proposed regional consolidation of conservation authorities. This will provide the public, local municipalities, and other stakeholders an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes.
“As we review the province’s proposal, our focus remains on collaboration, continuity, and strong service delivery for the people we serve,” said Brad Clark, Chair of the HCA Board of Directors. “HCA will continue to work closely with our partners and the Province to ensure the ongoing protection of our natural areas and the important programs that our community relies on every day.”
HCA will continue to monitor information from the Province as the consultation process moves forward and will share updates when available.
Update on Provincial Announcement: Bill 68 and Public Consultation
Following the Province’s announcement regarding changes to Ontario’s conservation authority system, two items are now available that may be of interest to the public.
Bill 68: Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 (No. 2)
The Province has introduced Bill 68, which includes provisions to create a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. While this legislation is moving through the legislative process, it is not part of the Environmental Registry consultation. The Province has indicated that Bill 68 is expected to pass later this fall.
Bill 68 can be viewed here:
https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-68
Environmental Registry Posting Now Open for Comment
The Province is also consulting on proposed consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities, including draft regional boundaries. This proposal is posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO #025-1257), where the public can review the details and provide comments until December 22, 2025.
The ERO posting is available here:
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
HCA will continue to follow these developments and share updates as more information becomes available.
