KLA UPDATE – TAKING ACTION! KLA’s Response to Proposed Consolidation of Eastern Ontario Conservation Authorities – December 19, 2025
The Kashwakamak Lake Association submitted a formal response to the Government of Ontario regarding ERO-025-1257-Proposed Boundaries for the Regional Consolidation of Ontario’s Conservation Authorities. In addition, I am including the NFLAA’s response, which we are a signatory and strongly support.
KLA Response to ERO—025-1257, December 18, 2025 KLA-Response-to-ERO.pdf
NFLAA’s Response to ERO—025-1257, December 11, 2025 MVCA-almagamation-letter-to-Ontario-NFLAA.pdf
December 22, 2025 Deadline to submit a response
By way of background, the KLA is alerting you to a big change facing the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA). The Ontario Government has announced a proposal to consolidate the 36 provincial river-based conservation authorities (CA’S) into seven regional bodies. The MVCA would be combined with the Rideau, South Nation, Raisin and Cataraqui CA’s into the new St. Lawrence Regional Conservation Authority. A big concern is the impact this would have on Municipal Representation, Control and Liability. How would the 46 municipalities retain meaningful oversight over the monies they contribute? How would overlapping responsibilities be handled? The province also proposes to create a new body, the Ontario Provincial Conservation Authority (OPCA), to oversee the activities of the new regional authorities.
The Province’s Rationale
The stated objective for this major reorganization is “to help get shovels in the ground faster on home and other local infrastructure projects, while strengthening the vital role Conservation Authorities play in managing watersheds and protecting communities from floods and natural hazards.” The Minister of the Environment also argues that “Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities operate largely on their own, with fragmented and outdated systems and a patchwork of standards and service delivery.”
Reaction to Date
Understandably, there are many concerns with this aggressive consolidation:
– The complexity of operating across multiple rivers systems, managing relationships with a larger number of municipalities and maintaining local contacts.
-Municipal governments are concerned about weakening the long partnership now enjoyed with existing CA’s and the potential impact on local taxes.
-Widespread confusion over the function, structure and funding of the new OPCA.
North Frontenac Council: MVCA submitted a detailed critical report to North Frontenac Council on the impact of the province’s planned changes. The North Frontenac Council approved this report and adopted Resolution #366-25 opposing the province’s proposed consolidation seeking clarity in particular on the funding model.
North Frontenac Lake Alliance Association (NFLAA) considered the Township and MVCA’s concerns and has sent in a letter opposing the consolidation. MVCA-almagamation-letter-to-Ontario-NFLAA.pdf
Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association, (FOCA) issued a statement and a call to action opposing the proposed consolidation in Bill 68. https://foca.on.ca/land-use-planning/#bill68
While we share the drive to improve efficiency, align systems and support improved service delivery through standardization, the KLA believes that this Consolidation Proposal is too aggressive and will have an especially negative impact on services to smaller regional municipalities like North Frontenac.
How to express your views?
The province has asked for public comment on this proposal by midnight Monday, December 22, 2025. The KLA has submitted a letter in support of the NFLAA’s letter to the province on behalf of our lake community. You can personalize our letter and/or FOCA’s draft email to register your comments. (see link to FOCA’s draft at the end of this note).
You can also submit your own comments directly via the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 025-1257).
We believe this is a very important matter and the Ontario Government needs to be aware of our concerns. Please take the time to get your voice heard no later than Monday December 22, 2025
More Information on this Subject:
Province of Ontario, November 7, 2025: Proposed boundaries for the regional consolidation of Ontario’s conservation authorities.
MVCA, November 21, 2025: Proposed consolidation of Eastern Ontario conservation authorities
North Frontenac News, November 27, 2025: Mississippi Valley General Manager raises concerns over CA amalgamation.
FOCA’s call to action
FOCA Call-to-Action for Conservation Authorities – SAMPLE EMAIL – November 2025
NFLAA ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT, December 4, 2025
Did you know?
Your membership with the KLA includes membership in the North Frontenac Lake Alliance Association (NFLAA). The KLA’s members represent the largest lake in the Association and we play an active role through our Board Member Marilyn Boston. The NFLAA recently elected a new President and issued a Press Release.
“…The Alliance represents 1,940 waterfront property owners, accounting for 61% of all waterfront owners across North Frontenac. Waterfront property owners now represent 86% of the township’s total property assessment base, underscoring their significant contribution to the community. The NFLAA was established to provide representation, assistance, and leadership on shared interests among lake associations. Its member groups share a committed goal: protecting and enhancing the environmental health and water quality of North Frontenac’s lakes and rivers for current and future generations. In addition to strengthening the visibility and collective voice of lakefront property owners, the NFLAA serves as a forum for information-sharing, learning, and effective communication among its members. The Alliance is also dedicated to fostering strong relationships and partnerships with stakeholders including North Frontenac Township, the County, the Province, government agencies, Indigenous communities, and other community associations such as the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. …” Learn more here: NFLAA Press Release
KLA UPDATE: North Frontenac – Shared Cell Towers – EORN Cell Gap Project & Bell Fibre Optic Cabiling Update
The KLA recognizes that cell phone coverage in North Frontenac is a subject of concern to many. Accordingly, the following update on cell towers in North Frontenac has been provided by the NFLAA (North Frontenac Lake Association Alliance) in response to multiple questions on this subject.
What is EORN?
The Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) conducted an open and transparent procurement process for the Cell Gap Project, which resulted in two qualified proponents submitting bids. It was EORN’s hope to fund more than one carrier to enhance network diversity, but both bidders requested the full funding allocation, limiting the ability to support multiple carriers through the project.
Read more here: KLA UPDATE_EORN & Bell Fibre Optic
