GRCA properties

The GRCA owns about 19,400 hectares (48,000 acres) of land in 430 parcels. That represents about 2.8 per cent of the land in the Grand River watershed.

The Property Department handles the acquisition, sale and management of much of the property.

The GRCA acquired the land over the course of many decades:

• to build infrastructure such as dams and dikes;
• to protect floodplain lands;
• to create recreational areas such as parks and rail trails; and
• to protect natural areas and habitat.

Cottage Lot Program

The GRCA owns about 730 cottage lots at Belwood Lake and Conestogo Lake conservation areas. It leases these lots to tenants who own their own cottage.

• Go to our Cottage Lot Program page for more information.

Property Management

Most of the property owned by the GRCA is taken up by Grand River Conservation Areas, conservation lands, rail trails and other natural areas.

However, the GRCA also has some residences, agricultural properties and lands it leases to third parties, such as not-for-profit organizations and commercial businesses.

• Go to our Property Management page for more information.

Land Dispositions

The GRCA acquires land that help it to accomplish its goal of protecting important natural areas. It also sells land when it is surplus to its needs. For example, a parcel of land purchased for a new dike or dam may be severed and the unneeded portion sold. Acquisitions and sales are governed by the GRCA's Land Acquisition Policy.

• Go to our Land Dispositions page for more information.