Conservation Authorities
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The Ministry of Natural Resources administers the Conservation Authorities Act and associated programs. Conservation authorities are watershed-based public sector organizations that implement resource management programs that serve both provincial and municipal interests. There are 36 conservation authorities in Ontario.
The Conservation Authorities Act came about because poor resource management practices in the 1930s led to drought, severe flooding, and soil loss. Passed in 1946, the Act provided for conservation authorities to be created by the Province at the request of two or more municipalities within a watershed.
MNR’s program for all conservation authorities, for which MNR and municipalities share responsibility, is related to public safety and natural hazard prevention and management. MNR provides conservation authorities with leadership, policy direction, and technical advice. Program activities include:
- flood and erosion control
- ice management
- flood forecasting and warning
- hazard prevention through municipal plan input, and
- regulating development in areas affected by natural hazards.
In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources, with participating municipalities, provides funding for studies and repairs on existing conservation authority-owned flooding and erosion control infrastructure (such as dams, dykes or retaining walls).
Local resource management programs are determined by the conservation authority boards of directors which are made up of municipal appointees. These programs reflect local needs and the capacity of the conservation authority. The local programs can include activities such as stewardship, watershed studies, education and recreation.
