Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Regional Conservation Authority Boundaries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KAWARTHA LAKES, ONTARIO -  The Province of Ontario has posted a proposal on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 025-1257) outlining plans to consolidate Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into seven new regional conservation authorities. The posting seeks feedback on the proposed boundaries and criteria for consolidation and is open for public comment until 11:59 p.m. on December 22, 2025.

“This is a significant proposal that could shape the future of watershed management in Ontario,” said Mark Majchrowski, Chief Administrative Officer of Kawartha Conservation. “We encourage residents, municipalities, and our community partners to review the ERO posting, understand the scope of what is being proposed, and provide their feedback. Local input will be critical to ensure the government understands how these changes may affect our communities, local partnerships, municipalities, building and development community and ongoing environmental work.”

Under the proposal, Kawartha Conservation would form part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, together with six other existing conservation authorities: Central Lake Ontario, Otonabee Region, Ganaraska Region, Lower Trent, Crowe Valley, and Quinte Region Conservation Authorities.

This proposed new regional authority would encompass more than 50 municipalities, spanning a large geographic area from Durham Region and the City of Kawartha Lakes in the west to Prince Edward County and the Bay of Quinte in the east. It would bring together diverse communities, landscapes, and watersheds across eastern Lake Ontario, including both rural and urban areas with unique environmental and planning needs.

Kawartha Conservation remains focused on delivering the essential services that protect people, property, and the environment. This includes flood forecasting and warning, watershed science, permitting, source water protection, stewardship, and community engagement.

“Our team remains dedicated to the day-to-day work that protects our lakes, rivers, wetlands, and communities,” added Majchrowski. “Regardless of the structural discussions taking place at the provincial level, our commitment to local service delivery and science-based environmental management remains unwavering.”

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to read the full proposal, review maps and supporting materials, and submit comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario at https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257.

Comments must be submitted by December 22, 2025.

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Media Contact:

John Chambers
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Kawartha Conservation, 
705.328.2271 ext. 220
Jchambers@KawarthaConservation.com