On March 10, 2026, the Ontario Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced further details regarding the proposed amalgamation of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities to 9 Regional Conservation Authorities.

At the press conference it was announced that the revised amalgamation plan will consist of 9 new Regional Conservation Authorities, including the Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (NWORCA), meaning that the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) will not be merging with any other existing Authorities, and will instead remain a stand-alone Authority representing Northwestern Ontario.

No other details are available at this time; however, more information is expected in the coming weeks as proposed amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act are released by the Province.

“We are pleased to see that the Province heard and took into account all of the comments and support from local residents and members of the public across the Province while making their decisions regarding amalgamation,” says LRCA Chair Donna Blunt. “We anticipate continuing to do the important work we have been carrying out for over 70 years.”

LRCA CAO Tammy Cook extends gratitude for the outpouring of community support: “We would like to thank our Member Municipalities and all of the groups, organizations, and members of the public who took the time to submit comments through the Environmental Registry of Ontario in support of the LRCA’s proposal to remain a standalone Conservation Authority representing Northwestern Ontario.”