Conservation Areas Strategy

Under the Conservation Authorities Act and Ontario Regulation 686/21, every Conservation Authority in Ontario is required to prepare a Conservation Areas (Strategy).

The goal of the Strategy is to provide an integrated, high-level framework that helps guide and inform future decision-making on all GRCA-owned and controlled lands.

The objectives of the GRCA’s Conservation Areas Strategy are to:

• Manage GRCA landholdings in compliance with relevant Federal, Provincial and Municipal regulations, policies, and guidelines.   
• Consider watershed health and resilience when making land management decisions.     
• Provide sustainable outdoor recreational and educational opportunities and connections with the natural environment.   
• Enhance community partnerships on GRCA properties.
• Manage GRCA landholdings in a strategic, fiscally responsible, and sustainable way.

Public Consultation

A draft Strategy has been prepared and, at its August 23, 2024, General Membership Meeting, the GRCA board passed a motion directing staff to undertake consultation on the draft Strategy.

• Read the Draft Conservation Areas Strategy (1.1MB PDF)
• Complete a survey to share your feedback on the draft Strategy 

Comments on the draft Strategy may be submitted online to the GRCA by Friday, October 4, 2024.

Public Information Centre

The GRCA will host two virtual Public Information Centres (PIC) on the draft Strategy.

• The first online PIC was held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 9 a.m. 
• A second online PIC will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. Participants must pre-register to attend.