LPRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS REJECTS PROVINCE’S PROPOSAL
December 17, 2025Media Release
December 17, 2025
TILLSONBURG, ON — On December 3, 2025, the LPRCA Board of Directors discussed Bill 68 Schedule 3, Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) posting No. 025-1257 Proposed Boundaries for Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities and the proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (LERCA) and passed a motion.
The motion states that the LPRCA Board of Directors acknowledges and supports the Province’s goals of improved efficiency, consistency and fiscal responsibility in conservation delivery; however, the LPRCA Board of Directors does not support the proposed “Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority” boundary configuration outlined in the ERO No. 025-1257. It is proposed that the LPRCA will amalgamate with 7 other CAs including Essex Region CA, Lower Thames Valley CA, St. Clair Region CA, Kettle Creek CA, Catfish Creek CA, Upper Thames River CA, Grand River CA and Long Point Region CA to form the LERCA, encompassing 81 municipalities compared to the 8 current member municipalities.
The LPRCA Board of Directors encourages our member municipalities, partners and the public to carefully evaluate the province’s proposal and provide comments through the ERO No. 025-1257 Proposed boundaries for regional consolidations of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities by the closing date of December 22, 2025.
Below are examples of key messages you could include in your ERO response:
- Reduce the Size of the Proposed Region
The proposed Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority, encompassing 8 conservation authorities and 81 municipalities, is too large to function effectively. Smaller, regionally focused models would better preserve efficiency, accountability, and local knowledge. - Ensure Strong Local Representation
Conservation authorities were founded on municipal partnerships and local decision-making. A single board representing 81 municipalities would significantly dilute local voices. - Keep Conservation Local
Local staff and offices possess critical knowledge of watershed conditions, land use, agriculture, and community needs. Centralized decision-making risks undermining public safety, environmental protection, and effective service delivery. - Protect Existing Programs and Services
Locally developed programs respond directly to community needs. A standardized regional model may reduce service levels, expertise, and accessibility. - Maintain Efficient Planning and Permitting
Conservation authorities consistently meet or exceed provincial permitting timelines. Regionalizing may create delays, more bureaucracy and the possibility of regulation limits increasing if standardized (LPRCA has Minister approval to regulate to the 100-year flood event standard vs. Hurricane Hazel storm event, which is a greater standard and would result in more area to fall within the regulated area). - Ensure Fair and Transparent Funding
A regional funding model must avoid shifting costs onto rural and smaller municipalities, especially if representation for decision-making is not reflected. Local conservation authorities already leverage municipal contributions with self-generated revenue and external funding, while provincial contributions remain minimal. - Recognize the Value of Local Conservation Lands
Conservation lands, assets and donations should remain under local stewardship, where decisions reflect community use, care, and long-term environmental responsibility. - Listen to Local Communities
The Province must meaningfully engage with municipalities, landowners, Indigenous communities, conservation authorities, and community groups before making final decisions.
Community-based watershed management needs to remain local. Support LPRCA by submitting comments on the ERO posting or by email to ca.office@ontario.ca by December 22, 2025.
Associated Links
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
Contacts
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227 or jking@lprca.on.ca