GRCA seeks input on new Resource Management Strategy

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is inviting municipal partners and interest holders, including members of the public, to provide feedback on a draft Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy.

An online public information session outlining the strategy will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Members of the public can register for the information session by emailing grca@grandriver.ca.

The draft strategy was developed following a change in the Conservation Authorities Act that requires all conservation authorities operating in Ontario to have a Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy in place by December 31, 2024. The goal of the strategy is to ensure programs and services offered by the GRCA respond to watershed issues and reflect the organization’s mandate under the Conservation Authorities Act. Issues identified in the strategy include population growth, water quality, climate change, flooding and droughts.

“The objectives of the strategy tie directly to the GRCA’s mission of working with local communities to reduce flood damage, provide access to outdoor spaces, share information about the natural environment, and make the watershed more resilient to climate change,” says Janet Ivey, manager of water resources at the GRCA. “This is a fantastic opportunity for interest holders to comment on the strategy as it relates directly to our unique watershed.”

Along with the public information session, the draft strategy will be reviewed by a working group comprised of municipal, First Nations, provincial and federal water managers and was presented to the GRCA Board at its April 26 meeting. The GRCA has also offered to present details of the draft strategy to Six Nations of the Grand River, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and municipal councils that lie within the watershed.

In total, the GRCA watershed includes 32 local municipalities and seven regions and counties and is home to approximately one million people.

More information on the strategy and the public information session can be found at www.grandriver.ca/resourcestrategy

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Media Contacts:

James Clark, Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email jclark@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca