The Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks has announced the province’s plan to move forward with consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into nine regional organizations under a new Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency, with full implementation targeted for early 2027. The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) Board has reviewed the announcement and offers the following response on behalf of the communities it serves.
“As Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, I want to assure our communities that the vital services the NBMCA has provided for over 50 years will continue,” said NBMCA Board Chair Lana Mitchell. “Work on flood forecasting and warning, precipitation and climate monitoring, watershed protection, drinking water source protection, on-site sewage system approvals, and the review and issuance of permits for development in flood-prone areas, and planning reviews has to be done, and our staff do it very well.”
Protecting property and human lives by reviewing development in flood-prone areas and hazard lands is more important than ever, due to impacts of climate change. NBMCA’s work touches every municipality and watershed community in the region, and the Board is committed to ensuring that level of service is maintained through any transition.
“The Board and I are pleased that the Province has clearly stated there will be no job losses or staffing changes as a result of this consolidation,” said Mitchell. “In Northern Ontario, recruiting and retaining specialized environmental professionals is already a significant challenge. Our experienced staff are a valuable asset, and it is essential that they are able to continue providing the strong, locally responsive services our communities depend on.”
The NBMCA Board shares the concerns raised by the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) regarding the unique geographic, demographic, and operational realities of Northern Ontario’s conservation authorities. Northern organizations operate across vast watersheds with lower population densities, and their staff maintain deep place-based knowledge and close working relationships with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders that cannot easily be replicated or transferred.
“We echo FONOM’s call for dedicated Northern consultation before these changes are implemented,” added Mitchell. “Clear communication on governance, funding, and transition planning and a willingness to consider regionally tailored approaches will be critical to a successful outcome for Northern communities.”
The NBMCA Board looks forward to continued dialogue with the Province, municipalities, and conservation authority partners throughout this process.
In the meantime, the NBMCA remains fully open for business. Residents, municipalities, and partners can count on the same dedicated staff and responsive service they have always received.
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario. NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario responsible for watershed management on behalf of local municipalities, stakeholders, and the province.
For more information, contact:
Liza Vandermeer, General Manager/Manager DWSP (249) 328-1167
Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator (705) 494-5115