The Ontario government is proposing to merge the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority with four others (including the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority) to create a new St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority. The region would span more than 18,500 square kilometres and include 46 municipalities.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks also wants to establish a new provincial agency with powers to direct regional planning, finances and operations.
The 11 municipalities currently represented on the MVCA board would help fund both the new regional body and the new agency, though the province has not said how municipalities would retain meaningful oversight or control levy increases.
MVCA Board Chair Roy Huetl says if this moves forward it could easily mean job loss.
Since 2020, more than $3 million in local municipal funds has been invested in MVCA-owned or managed dams and conservation areas. The authority has secured an additional $1.38 million in grants, and is completing final design work on a $6-million replacement of the Kashwakamak Lake Dam, supported by a 40-per-cent federal grant.
Municipalities cover about 68 per cent of MVCA’s operating budget, while provincial and federal governments contribute about five per cent.
Huetl says many questions remain unanswered.
Currently each MVCA-covered municipality (Addington Highlands, Beckwith, Carleton Place, North Frontenac, Central Frontenac, Drummond/North Elmsley, Greater Madawaska, Lanark Highlands, Mississippi Mills, Tay Valley, City of Ottawa) has at least one board member, with Ottawa having multiple due to its size.
Huetl said that formula would have to change if this merger moves forward due to 46-involved municipalities, which could lead to lesser participation and consideration for smaller municipalities.
The province’s proposed new boundaries are posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario under file 025-1257. Public comments are open until December 22, 2025.
Story by Grant Deme
