Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) acknowledges the March 10, 2026, announcement from the Province of Ontario outlining its plan to consolidate the province’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional conservation authorities. This decision follows last year’s Environmental Registry posting.
Under the province’s model, HCA would become part of a proposed Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, along with Credit Valley Conservation, Conservation Halton, and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. The province has indicated that consolidation would occur gradually, with a transition period leading to implementation targeted for early 2027.
“While today’s announcement may not be what we advocated for, we will continue to work constructively with the province, our peers at Credit Valley Conservation, Conservation Halton, and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Conservation Ontario, and municipal partners, to put our best efforts into a successful transition,” said Brad Clark, Chair of Hamilton Conservation Authority.
In the coming weeks, the government plans to introduce amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act (CAA) that would implement the consolidation. The province has indicated that conservation authority programs and services will continue, including flood and natural hazard management, drinking water source protection, watershed management, and the management of conservation lands and recreational trails.
The newly created Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency will coordinate the transition process. The province has also indicated that local watershed councils will be established within regional conservation authorities to help ensure local knowledge and priorities continue to guide watershed management.
At this time, HCA’s day-to-day operations remain unchanged. Staff will continue delivering programs and services across Hamilton’s watersheds, including conservation area operations, stewardship initiatives, planning and permitting services, and flood forecasting and warning.
HCA will continue to review the next steps as the province provides additional information on the transition process.
Additional Information
Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency
Environmental Registry decision notice on conservation authority consolidation
Letter from Minister to HCA
