Province Announces Consolidation of Conservation Authorities in Nine Regions

MARCH 18, 2026 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LINDSAY, ONTARIO - Kawartha Conservation acknowledges the Province of Ontario’s decision to consolidate 36 Conservation Authorities into nine regional entities under the newly formed Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency. Under this model, Kawartha Conservation will become part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Conservation Authority, a region that includes seven conservation authorities stretching from Kawartha Lakes to Brockville.

Alternative and potentially more effective approaches to collaboration in support of the Province’s goals were identified; however, Kawartha Conservation recognizes the Province’s direction and will work constructively with the Province, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Authority (OPCA), and neighbouring conservation authorities as further details are released and implementation proceeds.

Since its establishment in 1979, Kawartha Conservation has served residents and businesses across the Kawartha watershed. Its work is grounded in strong local relationships, deep watershed knowledge, and a commitment to balancing environmental protection with community needs.

For more than four decades, the organization’s Board and staff have placed communities at the forefront of their work. From stewardship programming and conservation lands management to flood forecasting and monitoring, permitting, environmental planning, and the creation of special events and public spaces, Kawartha Conservation’s programs and services support safe communities, environmental resilience, and long term sustainability across the watershed.

Its Vision remains clear: Engaged communities that love, respect and appreciate our natural environment.

That vision will continue to guide the organization throughout the transition.

“Kawartha Conservation has built strong, trusted relationships throughout the watershed over the past 45 years,” said Mark Majchrowski, Chief Administrative Officer of Kawartha Conservation. “Our priority remains ensuring continuity of service and ongoing protection for the communities we serve. Our staff bring passion, expertise, and deep local knowledge to this work, and that will continue. While we identified alternative approaches to collaboration in support of the Province’s objectives, we recognize the direction that has been set and are committed to working collaboratively with the Province, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Authority (OPCA), and neighbouring authorities.”

Many details related to the transition process and the future structure of the regionalized conservation authority are still emerging. Kawartha Conservation is committed to keeping municipal partners, stakeholders, residents, and businesses informed as additional information becomes available.

Throughout this process, the organization’s focus remains unchanged: protecting people and property from natural hazards, supporting responsible growth, delivering stewardship programming, managing conservation lands, and maintaining the environmental health of the Kawartha watershed for today, tomorrow, and future generations.

Further updates will be provided as the Province and the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency release additional information regarding implementation timelines and next steps.

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Media Contact

John Chambers
Corporate Strategy, Communications and Engagement Specialist 
Kawartha Conservation
705.328.2271 ext. 220