New Province of Ontario Conservation Agency and Consolidation of 36 Conservation Authorities

MLA Position Statement on the Consolidation of Conservation Authorities

 The new provincial board-governed agency and consolidation from 36 to 7 regional conservation authorities is underway – aimed to reduce administrative costs, free up resources for frontline conservation, and better align CA services with provincial priorities on housing, the economy, infrastructure and climate resilience. 

The Mississippi Lakes Association recognizes the potential benefits of improved overall consistency and focus on priorities, the modernization of watershed management, and cost efficiencies to allow more frontline resources and impact. However, we have

concerns regarding the loss of local expertise, municipal representation, and continuity of stewardship programs that have been vital to the health of Mississippi Lake and surrounding areas.  

We urge the Province of Ontario and the new Agency to:  

• Preserve local watershed knowledge and community partnerships within any new structure. For example, the Lake Partners program, a provincially sponsored program for water quality, is a collaboration between local lake stewards and conservation authorities. Conservation authority representatives also participate in lake association networking efforts.  Hopefully this can continue - possibly with more provincial representation. 

• Maintain strong, local municipal and community representation in decision-making. MLA estimates only one of four municipalities surrounding Mississippi Lake will be represented in the new structure.  

• Clarify funding models and the management of long-term environmental datasets, including flood mapping of private roads.  

• Prioritize effective flood management and communications, private road safety, shoreline protection, water quality monitoring and development permit consistency, drawing on local experience.  

• Engage in meaningful consultation with local stakeholders throughout the consolidation/transition process - using both digital and in-person meetings.  

As the consolidation /transition evolves, the Mississippi Lakes Association will continue to advocate for the protection of our lake’s unique ecological characteristics and the community-driven stewardship efforts that have sustained it.  

Our Next Steps  

• Monitor provincial announcements and participate in consultations to ensure Mississippi Lake’s needs are represented.  

• Engage local municipalities and community partners to advocate for maintaining strong watershed-based science and local decision-making.  

• Refine our position statement as the transition evolves - emphasizing the importance of local monitoring of flood impacts and water quality, private road and shoreline protection, and community-based stewardship. 

Examples of Community-Based Stewardship Provided by MVCA and Supported by MLA 

1. Shoreline and Habitat Restoration 

Carp River Restoration Project MVCA led a multi-year restoration of a four-kilometre section of the Carp River near Kanata, including realigning the river channel, restoring wetlands, and planting thousands of native trees and shrubs. The site now features a “living classroom” for education and citizen science, and a paved Riverwalk loop for community recreation.

Medium- to Large-Scale Shoreline Plantings MVCA coordinates shoreline plantings on public lands with municipalities and community groups, enhancing habitat and reducing erosion. These projects are part of the ongoin Stewardship Plan approved in 2021.

2. Community Clean-Ups and Invasive Species Management 

Poole Creek Clean-Up MVCA partnered with Your Forest Canada and Unsmoke Canada for a multi-season clean-up of Poole Creek, removing hundreds of pounds of litter and debris with community volunteers.

Invasive Species Removal Days MVCA organizes annual invasive species removal events, such as the June 2025 Watts Creek Pathway project, targeting Dog Strangling Vine and Garlic Mustard. Staff and volunteers removed 17 bags of invasive plants in one day, supported by the province’s Invasive Species Action Fund.

3. Water Quality Monitoring and Citizen Science 

Watershed Watch Environmental Monitoring Program MVCA’s Watershed Watch program collects reliable environmental data on water quality and fish habitat, engaging residents in stewardship practices. Recent reports cover lakes such as Mississippi Lake, Kashwakamak Lake, and others, with data used for education and management.

Streamflow Monitoring in Carp River and Poole Creek MVCA maintains permanent gauges for continuous water level and streamflow monitoring, supporting flood forecasting and adaptive management.

4. Agricultural Stewardship 

ALUS Mississippi-Rideau Program MVCA and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority expanded the ALUS program to support farmers in ecosystem projects—reforestation, windbreaks, riparian buffers, wetland creation, pollinator habitat, and clean water projects. In 2024, ALUS Lanark created 320 acres of habitat enhancements on 19 properties; the expanded program covers 8,500 km² and 31 municipalities.

Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program: Marginal Lands Initiative Launched in 2025, this initiative offers up to 90% funding for farmers to plant trees, establish grasslands, install vegetated buffers, and restore wetlands, targeting marginal lands for greatest environmental benefit.

5. Education and Outreach 

Wild for Watersheds PA Day Camps & Mood Walks MVCA offers seasonal education programs for youth and the public, including PA Day Camps, March Break camps, and “Mood Walks” in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association. These programs feature nature-based learning, guided hikes, stream studies, and curriculum-aligned outdoor activities

School Group Programs and Public Tours MVCA provides school group programs, custom presentations, and public tours at Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, focusing on watershed education and safety.

6. Indigenous Engagement 

Mississippi River Watershed Plan – Indigenous Engagement Plan MVCA implemented an Indigenous Engagement Plan (IEP) from 2020–2023, guided by Cambium Indigenous Professional Services. The plan ensures Indigenous communities are meaningfully involved in watershed planning, with annotated backgrounders and community questionnaires for input.

Kashwakamak Lake Dam Environmental Assessment MVCA is actively engaging Indigenous communities in environmental assessments and resource management strategies for dam operations and watershed planning.

7. Municipal and Community Partnerships 

Stewardship Plan Implementation  MVCA’s Stewardship Plan (2021) guides long-term projects, including shoreline plantings, habitat enhancement, riparian clean-ups, invasive species management, and septic re-inspection programs. MVCA welcomes project ideas from municipal partners and coordinates with local communities for implementation.