Hamilton Conservation Authority, headquartered at the western end of Lake Ontario, is the region’s largest environmental management agency. For over 50 years, it has spearheaded grassroots environmental efforts to help ensure a safe and sustainable community.
HCA owns or manages 4,891 hectares (12,086 acres) of land, representing approximately 10% of our watershed. Much of this land provides important habitat for plants and wildlife and helps protect the natural environment.Much of it is home to rare plants, birds and mammals whose existence depends on an environment that is not pressured by human activity.
Our comprehensive, coordinated approach to watershed management is supported by a broad range of activities, which include the following:
Flood Forecasting and Flood Control
As mandated by the province, the HCA is the lead agency for flood forecasting and control in the City of Hamilton region. As part of this responsibility, the HCA operates dams at the Christie Lake and Valens Lake Conservation Areas and manages natural flood-control areas such as wetlands and floodplains. Additionally, the HCA reviews all applications for fill and construction within defined floodplains, and provides plan review comments to identify regulated areas, floodplains and susceptible areas where development is proposed. This service plays an integral role in protecting infrastructure, industry, property and natural lands.
Environmental Planning & Watershed Management
Today, it is widely recognized that effective planning controls must be in place to prevent or regulate new developments in or near natural areas and floodplains. HCA provides valuable planning and technical assistance to local municipalities in this regard by recommending land-use policies and reviewing development applications that may affect wetlands, floodplains, and watercourses. HCA is also an important consulting agency to the City of Hamilton, providing valuable planning and technical advice on environmental matters.
