The GRCA will generate roughly 46 per cent of its revenue independently.
The Grand River Conservation Authority has approved its 2026 budget, outlining nearly $42 million in spending aimed at protecting people, property and the environment across the Grand River watershed.
The budget was approved on Friday, February 27, by the GRCA Board, which is made up of 26 members appointed by municipalities within the watershed.
The funding will support programs focused on flood and erosion protection, improving watershed health, providing outdoor recreation and education opportunities, and strengthening the organization for the future.
Municipalities within the watershed will contribute approximately $14.2 million through municipal apportionment in 2026, accounting for about 34 per cent of the total budget.
The increase in municipal apportionment has been held to 3.5 per cent.
Funding is allocated among member municipalities using the Modified Current Value Assessment formula, as outlined under Ontario Regulation 402/22 of the Conservation Authorities Act.
Additional government funding from federal, provincial and municipal sources is expected to total just under $4.2 million, representing about 10 per cent of the overall budget.
The GRCA will generate roughly 46 per cent of its revenue independently.
These funds come from a variety of sources, including camping fees, conservation area admissions, outdoor environmental education programs, hydroelectric power sales from certain dams, property rentals, tree sales, planning permits and donations raised by the Grand River Conservation Foundation.
Reserves are projected to decrease by just over $2.2 million in 2026.
Those funds will primarily support water control infrastructure, flood forecasting and warning systems, conservation area capital projects and help offset a deficit in the environmental education program.
