Conservation Authorities Act Requirements
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) and all Ontario Conservation Authorities in Ontario are governed by the Conservation Authorities Act. The purpose of this Act is to provide for the organization and delivery of programs and services that further conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.
The objects of a Conservation Authority are to provide, in the area over which it has jurisdiction, include:
a) The mandatory programs and services (Category 1) required under Section 21.1 of the Act:
b) Any municipal programs and services (Category 2) that may be provided under Section 21.1.1 of the Act; and
c) Any other programs or services (Category 3) that may be provided under Section 21.1.2 of the Act.
O. Reg. 686/21 sets out the mandatory programs and services which must be delivered by conservation authorities in Ontario. Related to this, by the end of 2024 all conservation authorities are required to have a number of strategies and plans in place, which are under development, including:
This strategy must outline decision-making objectives for the lands, identify mandatory and non-mandatory programs, show how the lands support natural heritage and public access...
The strategy must summarize GSCA’s programs, technical studies, and supporting information for program delivery.