Working together across Eastern Lake Ontario

ELORCA Transition

Otonabee Conservation is working alongside six neighbouring conservation authorities to ensure a smooth, successful transition to the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (ELORCA).

The region brings together communities, landscapes and waterways stretching from the Kawartha Lakes to Brockville. Through this transition, the seven conservation authorities are working collaboratively to bring their local knowledge, scientific expertise and experience together in support of the region and its individual watersheds.

Last Updated: October 19, 2026

Connected waterways. Shared expertise. Local knowledge.

Water connects communities across the region. The Trent-Severn Waterway is one important example, linking lakes and rivers through communities such as Fenelon Falls, Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Lakefield, Peterborough, Hastings, Campbellford and Trenton.

The seven 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 across existing organizational boundaries.

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

A region connected by water and landscape

The ELORCA region extends across a diverse landscape, from the Kawartha Lakes through the Peterborough and Trent River areas, along eastern Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte, and east through the Cataraqui area toward Brockville.

It brings together inland lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, farmland, growing communities and shoreline environments. Across this geography, local watershed knowledge will help inform coordinated work at the regional scale.

Frequently asked questions

What is ELORCA?

The Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (ELORCA) is the regional conservation authority being established through Ontario’s consolidation of conservation authorities. It is the regional authority that will bring together Kawartha, Cataraqui, Crowe Valley, Ganaraska, Lower Trent, Otonabee and Quinte conservation authorities.

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 Otonabee Conservation and the local staff who support our communities. This page will provide updates on the work to bring the participating conservation authorities together.

What 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.

When will the transition take place?

The Conservation Authorities Act defines the transition date as February 1, 2027, or a later date prescribed by regulation. We will share transition updates and progress on this page and through our regular communications channels.

Wil fees, office locations or contact details change?

Local programs and services are not changing as a result of consolidation. Continue to use the fees, office locations and contact details listed on your local conservation authority’s website.

I am planning a project? Where do I apply for a permit?

If your property is within Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction, continue to apply through Otonabee Conservation. Visit our Permits & Planning and submit Inquiry Form as your first step.

I already have an application underway. Will I have to resubmit my permit application after the consolidation process?

Your current application will be continued to be worked on by the Otonabee Conservation staff member handling your application.

If you already hold a permit, follow its conditions and expiry date. Contact our permitting team before changing your project or if you need advice about completing the work within your permit’s timeframe. You do not need to wait for the regional transition to seek assistance or move forward through the application process.

Where do I find my local flood forecasting information?

Otonabee Conservation will continue to monitor watershed conditions and issue flood messages to help residents and municipalities prepare. Visit our Flood Forecasting and Warning page for current messages, explanations of flood watches and warnings, and information on subscribing to email alerts.

Will local stewardship and conservation programs continue?

Yes. Continue to contact Otonabee Conservation for advice and support for projects that improve local land and water.

Visit our Learn & Get Involved page for stewardship and resource information.

If I make a donation to Otonabee Conservation will it stay local?

Any donation made to Otonabee Conservation, whether a financial contribution or a donation of land, will remain with Kawartha Conservation and be used locally. Donations will continue to support conservation initiatives, projects and priorities within the Kawartha Conservation watershed, ensuring your contribution directly benefits the local environment and communities you care about.

Will my Hunting Permit be valid at other Authorities' Conservation Areas?

Current Hunting Permits are only valid on Otonabee Conservation Lands only.

Check with the authority operating another site before visiting.

How can I follow the progress of the transition and learn what ELORCA will mean in the future?

This page will provide transition updates, explain progress and answer questions about ELORCA as the regional organization takes shape.

We will continue adding information about regional governance, transition milestones and how the participating conservation authorities are working together to support local watersheds and communities. You can also follow Kawartha Conservation’s news and subscribe to the Otonabee Watershed enewsletter. If your question is not answered here, contact us so we can help and use recurring questions to improve these FAQs.