Conservation Authorities Act (CA Act)
Conservation Authorities are governed by the Conservation Authorities Act, which is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
The Conservation Authorities Act was first enacted in 1946 in response to concerns raised by agricultural, naturalist, and sports groups regarding the deteriorating state of Ontario’s renewable natural resources. Unsustainable land, water, and forestry practices during the 1930s and 1940s, combined with drought and deforestation, resulted in significant soil erosion and flooding across the province.
Since its establishment, the Conservation Authorities Act has undergone a series of legislative and regulatory amendments to reflect evolving approaches to watershed management, natural hazard mitigation, and environmental protection.
Recent Legislation & Regulatory Changes
2026
- Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2026, Schedule 3 amended the Conservation Authorities Act to consolidate the 36 Conservation Authorities to nine Regional Conservation Authorities.
2025
- Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025 (No. 2)
2024 - Ontario Regulation 41/24: Prohibited Activities, Exemptions and Permits
2023 - Ontario Regulation 402/22 (Budget and Apportionment)
2022 - Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, Schedule 2 amended the Conservation Authorities Act.
- Ontario Regulation 686/21: Mandatory Programs and Services
2021 - Ontario Regulation 687/21: Transition Plans and Agreements for Programs and Services under Section 21.1.2 of the Act
- Ontario Regulation 688/21: Rules of Conduct in Conservation Areas
2020 - Bill 229, Protect, Support and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020, Schedule 6 amended the Conservation Authorities Act.
2019 - Bill 108 More Choices, More Homes Act, Schedule 2 amended the Conservation Authorities Act.
2017 - Bill 139: the Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act
CO Submissions
Conservation Ontario has provided submissions on the legislative and regulatory changes, and they can be found here: Resources / Conservation Authorities Act Review