Conservation Authorities

Conservation Authorities (CAs) are established under the Conservation Authorities Act (1946) which is administered by Lands and Waters Branch, MNR. 

Conservation Authorities (CAs) are local, watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources in partnership with governments, landowners and other organizations. To find your local CA, use the map located on the Conservation Ontario website.

CAs are mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs.

The Ministry of Natural Resources provides transfer payments to Conservation Authorities for provincially mandated programs delivered by the Conservation Authorities which include: flood, drought and erosion operations (e.g. flood control, water conservation methods, erosion control, flood forecasting and warning, ice management, hazard prevention and watershed management).

The Ministry of Natural Resources also administers annual provincial capital transfer payments to Conservation Authorities for repairs, maintenance and studies associated with existing CA owned water control structures.

Find out more about Conservation Authorities Roles and Responsibilities.

For more information on Conservation Authorities, refer to Conservation Ontario.

Related Publications:

• Water Management on a Watershed Basis: Implementing an Ecosystem Approach June 1993
• Subwatershed Planning June 1993
• Integrating Water Management Objectives into Municipal Planning Documents June 1993