Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority (LHRCA) Transition

Ontario is bringing conservation authorities together in a new regional model so we can share expertise, coordinate services and make the best use of resources. On February 1, 2027, the province’s 36 conservation authorities will become nine regional authorities.

In our region, the following six conservation authorities will come together to form the Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority:

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA)
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA)
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)
Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA)
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA)
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA)

By working together, our new regional conservation authority will be able to share knowledge, strengthen coordination and use resources more effectively, while continuing to protect local watersheds and serve communities.

Stakeholders across the new region will continue to benefit from local staff, local offices and watershed knowledge, along with strong relationships with municipalities, landowners and community partners.

Continuity of Services

Programs and services will continue as usual throughout the transition. For assistance, please continue to contact Grey Sauble Conservation Authority as you do today.

What stakeholders can expect:

Municipalities

Continued service delivery
Ongoing engagement
Future governance updates

Residents and Landowners

No change to programs, services, permits and other regulatory services at this time
Continue working with current staff contacts

Community Partners

Existing projects and partnerships continue

Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority

The region includes rivers, inland lakes, wetlands, forests, farmland, growing communities and shoreline environments. The map below illustrates the geographic reach of the new regional conservation authority and the six conservation authorities coming together to support watershed management and conservation across the region.

Connected waterways. Shared expertise. Local knowledge.

Water connects communities across the Lake Huron Region Conservation Authority (LHRCA). From the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay to inland lakes, rivers and streams, water moves across landscapes, linking communities and watersheds throughout the region.

The six conservation authorities bring experience in understanding local water conditions, managing natural hazards, protecting conservation lands and supporting watershed health. Working together creates opportunities to share knowledge, coordinate monitoring and planning, and respond to challenges that extend beyond individual watershed boundaries.

Regional collaboration can support a broader understanding of shared challenges while keeping the distinct needs of individual watersheds and communities at the centre of the work.

Don Goodyear, Project Executive

Leading the Transition

To lead consolidation efforts at the local level, the province has selected a Project Executive for each region, who will become the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the new regional conservation authority. Project Executives are responsible for leading the transition process and ensuring their new regional conservation authority is operational on February 1, 2027.

The Province of Ontario has appointed Don Goodyear as Project Executive and CAO Designate for the new Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority.

With 30 years of experience spanning the conservation authority and municipal government sectors, Don brings a strong record of leadership in watershed management, source water protection and environmental services. During his career, including 15 years with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, he has also led significant organizational transformation initiatives, with a focus on risk management, strategic regional programs and change management.

Stay Informed

This page will be updated as transition planning progresses. Check back regularly for news, milestone updates, frequently asked questions and information about the future Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LHRCA?

The Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority (LHRCA) is the regional conservation authority being established through Ontario’s consolidation of conservation authorities. It will bring together six conservation authorities: Ausable Bayfield, Grey Sauble, Lake Simcoe Region, Maitland Valley, Nottawasaga Valley and Saugeen Valley.

Local programs and services will continue, including flood forecasting and warning, permit review, stewardship, watershed monitoring and conservation area management. You can continue to access these services through the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and the local staff who support our communities.

This page will provide updates on the transition and the work underway to bring the participating conservation authorities together.

Why are conservation authorities consolidating and how will this benefit our region?

The Government of Ontario has directed the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional organizations to strengthen watershed management and provide more consistent services.

For our region, bringing conservation authorities together creates opportunities to share scientific and technical expertise, improve access to technology and resources, and coordinate work that protects communities from flooding and other natural hazards.

This work will build on the local knowledge, relationships and conservation efforts already established across the region. Local programs and services will continue, with a shared focus on protecting people and property, supporting healthy watersheds and meeting the needs of our communities today and into the future.