Raisin Region Conservation Authority
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is a nonprofit environmental organization established in 1963 under Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act, 1946. Originally named the Raisin River Conservation Authority, it was later renamed to reflect its expanded watershed jurisdiction, which now includes the Raisin River, Hoople Creek, and the Delisle, Beaudette, and Rigaud Rivers[5].

Jurisdiction and Governance

The RRCA operates across 1,680 square kilometers in eastern Ontario, serving five member municipalities: the City of Cornwall and the Townships of South Glengarry, North Glengarry, South Stormont, and North Stormont[2][5]. Its eight-member board of directors is appointed by these municipalities, with representation proportional to municipal populations[2][4].

Core Functions

The RRCA’s primary activities include flood control, water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship programs[2]. It administers multiple conservation areas, such as Charlottenburgh Park, Cooper Marsh Conservation Area, and Gray’s Creek Conservation Area, which provide recreational and ecological preservation services[3].

Vision and Mission

The organization’s vision emphasizes collaboration with the community to ensure a “better environment and healthy future,” while its mission focuses on balancing human, environmental, and economic needs through sustainable practices[2].

Historical Development

Initially formed to address flooding and poor drainage, the RRCA expanded its role to include broader conservation efforts, such as pollution prevention and wetland rehabilitation[5]. It celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023, marking decades of watershed management in Ontario’s easternmost conservation jurisdiction[5].

Programs

Key initiatives include tree-planting drives, environmental education, and the annual Raisin River Canoe Race[1]. The RRCA also provides planning review services to ensure development aligns with ecological protections[2][5].

[1] https://rrca.on.ca [2] https://rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=2 [3] https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/conservation-authorities/raisin-region/ [4] https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Agency/702 [5] https://www.sdgcounties.ca/discover-our-communities/news-notices/rrca-celebrates-60-years-conservation-eastern-ontario