New policy and regulatory reforms for Ontario Conservation Authorities

Abstract

First established in the 1940s, Ontario Conservation Authorities are internationally recognized as leading examples of integrated water resources management. In late 2021 and early 2022, the Ontario government published two reports focused on regulatory proposals and rules of conduct for conservation authorities (CAs). A primary aim of the provincial government’s pro-growth proposals was to increase the supply of affordable housing by speeding up new development review and approval processes. The following topics were identified as mandatory programs for CAs related to risks posed by natural hazards within their jurisdiction: flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches, hazardous sites as defined by a Provincial policy statement in 2020, and low water/drought. The overall intent of the Ontario government proposals is for CAs to focus on identifying natural hazards, assessing and managing associated risks, and improving public awareness of hazards. In this commentary, we summarize key changes for the CAs proposed by the Ontario government, and identify implications for the future, including CAs having less autonomy and discretion over core mandatory programs, increased emphasis on local funding, and municipalities having more say in CA programs and services for which they pay.