Vision
A healthy natural environment where communities thrive
Mission
To be a leader in the Otonabee Region watershed for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of a healthy, natural environment
Otonabee Conservation is a locally-focused, community-based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources within the Otonabee Region watershed. We work with our eight member municipalities to create a healthy, environmentally diverse watershed that improves the quality of life for residents, makes our area more appealing to visitors and new business, and helps to ensure a more vibrant regional economy.
Otonabee Conservation was established in 1959 in accordance with the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O.1990, Chapter C.27. The Authority is governed by a Board of Directors, representative of the local municipalities and is supported by a professional staff of 17.
We are one of 36 conservation authorities serving watershed areas throughout Ontario and is a member of Conservation Ontario. Conservation Authorities across the province protect the environment on a watershed basis. Our land and water resources are connected and impact each other, so managing these resources on a watershed basis is recognized as the best way to protect the environment.
Program Direction
Otonabee Conservation delivers programs and services that support the sustainability of the environment, within the physical and economic context of the watershed and in consideration of the social, cultural, and economic aspirations of our residents.
We work closely with our member municipalities, watershed residents, and many partnership agencies to achieve program outcomes that balance a diversity of needs and local conservation priorities.
Financial Accountability
Our annual budget is approved by the Board of Directors and our financial statements are published annually. The budget and financial statements can be viewed under ‘Downloads’ on the right.
Conservation Authorities are funded in part through a levy assessed against the municipalities within the watershed. Some funding for projects and specific programs comes from provincial and federal government grants. Other funding comes in the form of grants and contributions from other organizations, and as donations from individuals. Otonabee Conservation is registered charity.
Otonabee Conservation collects fees for plan review and permitting services and for products and services that we provide at our conservation lands. The Board of Directors approves these fee schedules. The approved fee schedules can be viewed under ‘Downloads’ on the right.
The Proposed 2024 Fee Policy & Schedule is under review by the Board of Directors. Members of the public have until November 30, 2023 to review the document. Please contact Janette Loveys Smith no later than November 30, 2023, if you have any comments with respect to the proposed 2024 Fee Policy and Schedule.
Conservation Ontario
Otonabee Conservation is a member of Conservation Ontario, the umbrella organization that represents Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities. Conservation Ontario supports the network of Conservation Authorities by raising awareness of the network at the community and provincial levels. Conservation Ontario also works to build relationships and influence decision makers as it relates to the development and expansion of the Conservation Authority program