Posted: November 18, 2025

Conservation in Ontario takes another hit

We highlight concerning changes to conservation in Ontario being rolled out in 2025.

Updated on Dec 1st, 2025.

Earlier this year, the Ontario Government unveiled Bill 5, a rewriting of conservation efforts in the province. The changes include reducing protections for endangered species, redefining habitat and what needs to be protected, the creation of special economic zones where environmental protections don’t apply, and moving decision-making further from scientists and experts into the hands of politicians. 

Recently, Ottawa Riverkeeper also signed on to three joint letters, organized by Ontario Nature and co-signed by environmental groups across the province, opposing these changes and the weakening of environmental protections in Ontario. 

• Letter 1: On specific changes from the original Endangered Species Act, 2007
• Letter 2: Proposed amendments to the new Species Conservation Act, 2025
• Letter 3: On concerns with the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025

New changes to Conservation Authorities

The provincial government has made further moves, significantly changing how Conservation Authorities work in Ontario. These watershed organizations provide expertise, enforce regulations, and monitor water quality and quantity for municipalities. The new changes would cut Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities down to just 7, amalgamating many together to cover larger regions. 

One of the great benefits that Conservation Authorities provide is a deep understanding of the local waterways within their purview, and sharing that information and analysis with communities. The proposed groupings of Conservation Authorities lack local nuance and do not consider the specific needs and unique challenges across regions. It is yet another major step backwards on conservation in Ontario. 

If you live in Ontario, you can submit comments on these changes until December 22nd on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Or go further by contacting your MPP directly and letting them know that these changes will negatively impact conservation across the province.

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