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Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority prepares for transition to regional authority

October 8, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) Board of Directors has unanimously approved its 2027 Business Plan and Budget.

This is a transitional year for the NVCA as the organization joins five other conservation authorities to form the Lake Huron Region Conservation Authority.

During 2025, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks made the decision to amalgamate some conservation authorities and create new boundaries. It established the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency to provide centralized leadership.

There was some concern among existing conservation authorities that the proposed new boundaries were too large and covered areas of differing environmental needs, as well as concern about the potential for service disruption during transition and consolidation.

As a result, adjustments were made to the boundaries to accommodate areas with distinct geographies and development, better balance differing priorities across rural, urban, and northern areas, and improve alignment with watersheds and source protection regions.

The newly created Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority will combine the current Authorities of Nottawasaga Valley, Ausable Bayfield, Grey Sauble, Lake Simcoe Region, Maitland Valley, and Saugeen Valley.

“NVCA was created more than 65 years ago to protect, restore, and connect people to the natural environment across the Nottawasaga Watershed,” said Jonathan Scott, NVCA chair.

“During the transition, rivers continue to run, communities will continue to grow, and people will continue to depend on healthy soil and clean water. Our focus through the transition remains straightforward — maintain service, preserve local knowledge and ensure that protecting the Nottawasaga Watershed continues without interruption.”

To support this effort and transition, the NVCA’s 2027 Business Plan and Budget highlights three priorities: service excellence through the transition, municipal and watershed leadership, and regional integration readiness.

“In 2026, we have used the resources entrusted to us by our municipalities and communities to find efficiencies and produce real value for the watershed,” said Jennifer Vincent, NVCA CAO.

“This work provides a solid foundation for the year ahead, and positions NVCA to improve in service delivery, strengthen stewardship initiatives and advance organizational improvement. These efforts will help NVCA meet mandated responsibilities while preparing for future change.”

NVCA’s accomplishments in 2026 include completing restoration projects, welcoming thousands of residents to educational and recreational programs, and continuing to provide timely planning and permitting services across the watershed. 

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