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 Quinte Conservation and the local staff who support our communities. This page will provide updates on the work to bring the participating conservation authorities together.
Working together across Eastern Lake Ontario
ELORCA Transition
Quinte 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
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Local programs and services will continue without interruption through consolidation. Continue to contact Quinte Conservation for assistance as you do today.
Questions about a Quinte Conservation service?
Zoom and pan the map to explore the region. Click on a constituent conservation authority to access its website.
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 up the St. Lawrence until 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.
Connected waterways. Shared expertise. Local knowledge.
Water connects communities across the region. The Bay of Quinte is one important example, extending along the shores of Quinte West, Belleville, Prince Edward County, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Deseronto, and Greater Napanee.
ELORCA's seven constituent 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 will support a broader view of these challenges while keeping the distinct needs of individual watersheds and communities at the centre of the work.
Frequently asked questions
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.
I am planning a project. Where do I find out whether I need a permit, and how do I apply?
If your property is within Quinte Conservation’s jurisdiction, continue to apply through Quinte Conservation. Visit our Apply for a Permit page for the application process and contact information.
Our Apply for a Permit page explains the application process, submission requirements and fees. If you are at the planning stage, a pre-consultation meeting can help identify what you need before submitting an application. Contact regulations@quinteconservation.ca or call 613-968-3434.
How do I find out whether my property is in a regulated area or floodplain?
Start with our property mapping page, which links to interactive mapping showing regulated areas, including floodplains, and source water protection areas.
For questions about a particular property, contact Quinte Conservation. Staff can help explain the available mapping and identify whether you should request property information or arrange a pre-consultation meeting. Checking early is particularly helpful when buying a property or planning construction, landscaping or shoreline improvements.
I already have an application underway. Who should I contact?
Continue working with the Quinte Conservation staff member handling your application. Submit requested information and direct questions about your file to that person, or email regulations@quinteconservation.ca
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 can I find flood information, and who should I contact during a flood?
Quinte Conservation continues to monitor watershed conditions and issue flood messages to help residents and municipalities prepare. Visit our flooding and low water information page for current messages, explanations of flood watches and warnings, and information on subscribing to email alerts.
For local flood response assistance, including information about road closures, sandbagging or evacuation, contact your municipality. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Where can I find information about low water levels and drought?
Visit our drought information page for information about watershed conditions, low water levels and ways to conserve water. You can also subscribe to receive low water messages.
Quinte Conservation monitors precipitation and water conditions and coordinates the local Water Response Team, bringing together municipalities, water users and provincial partners to support a coordinated response. Check your municipality’s website for any local watering restrictions.
Are there still planting opportunities and resources for landowners?
Yes. Continue to contact Quinte Conservation for advice and support for projects that improve local land and water.
Our landowner resources include tree planting, shoreline and erosion advice, farm stewardship and information about financial assistance programs. Staff can help you explore suitable options, eligibility requirements and application periods. Contact us early when planning a project so we can help identify available support and any approvals you may need.
Where do I purchase a parking pass?
Continue to use Quinte Conservation’s existing parking purchase options for our conservation areas. Visit the parking information page for instructions.
Will my parking pass work at other authorities' conservation areas?
Quinte Conservation’s current annual parking pass is described as covering conservation areas within the Quinte watershed. Check with the authority operating another site before visiting. Any confirmed changes to regional pass arrangements will be added here.
Continue to use Quinte Conservation’s website and local office for services within our watershed. Our office is at 2061 Old Hwy 2, Belleville ON and our telephone number is 613-968-3434
Current fees, forms and service information are available on the relevant service pages. Our Contacts Directory can help you reach the right team. If you are unsure where to start, call our main number and we will direct your question. Local programs and services continue during the transition.
If I make a donation to Quinte Conservation will it stay local?
Any donation made to Quinte Conservation, whether a financial contribution or a donation of land, will remain with Quinte Conservation and be used locally. Donations will continue to support conservation initiatives, projects and priorities within the Quinte Watershed, ensuring your contribution directly benefits the local environment and communities you care about.
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.
Will 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.
How can I follow 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 Quinte Conservation’s news and subscribe for updates. If your question is not answered here, contact us so we can help and use recurring questions to improve these FAQs.
Is there an FAQ for Quinte Conservation's programs and services?
Yes. View the FAQ page for more information.
Learn more about the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency