Our Beginning

Like All Conservation Authorities in Ontario, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is empowered through provincial legislation to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals. This mandate remains as valid today as it was in 1946, when the first Conservation Authority was established.

ERCA was established in 1973 as one of the last Conservation Authorities in Ontario to work toward restoring some of the region's original character and to manage conservation issues. Located at the tip of Southern Ontario, ERCA has jurisdiction in nine municipalities. These include the City of Windsor, Township of Pelee and the seven municipalities in Essex County that collectively comprise Canada's South Coast. Nineteen representatives from these communities make up our Board of Directors.

We are uniquely organized on a watershed basis, which is a natural geographic area drained by a watercourse and its tributaries. Because we cross municipal boundaries, all environmental decisions can be assessed on the basis of their impact on the entire watershed. Tor provide effective services and programs, we work in partnership with our member municipalities, federal and provincial ministries and other organizations.

The Principles and Values Guiding our Actions

Regardless of the issues of the day, there are timeless principles that unify the way we provide service. They are like the hub of a wheel that integrates all of our decision making. We use these principles, beliefs and values to assess and align our actions.

Watershed Management

We are passionate about making our Region a model healthy and sustainable community.
We strongly believe that a healthy environment, healthy economy and the human health of our residents are critically linked.
We believe that individual contributions make a difference and we will equally involve urban and rural residents and partners in achieving environmental goals.

Locally-Based Initiatives

We are realistic conservationists who are committed to providing excellent customer service and a solution-oriented approach to conservation.
We will work to achieve balance and fairness in considering private property rights and the public good.
We are dedicated to open, two way communication.
We will listen and respond to our constituents' concerns.

Partnerships

We value quality over quantity, and determining priorities over being all things to all people.
We will be accountable and responsible in the use of our resources.
Our work ethic is based on integrity, honesty, fairness and reliability toward those we serve and those with whom we work.
We will be innovative, flexible, willing to take risks, encourage continuous learning and celebrate achievements.
We will learn from our past and work together for our environment& our future.