The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) / Office de Protection de la Nature de Toronto (Business Registration Number: 108088584RR0001) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1957 under the provincial Conservation Authorities Act. It is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario created to administer watershed management and environmental protection efforts within the Toronto region.

History

The TRCA was formed in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Hazel in 1954, which highlighted the critical need for organized flood control and watershed management in the rapidly urbanizing Toronto area. Prior to its formation, several smaller conservation authorities governed individual watersheds, including Don Valley, Etobicoke-Mimico, Humber Valley, Rouge, Duffins Creek, Highland Creek, and Petticoat Creek. These were consolidated under TRCA to provide a coordinated regional approach to conservation and environmental protection.

Volunteer groups, such as the Don Valley Conservation Association established in 1946, played an important role in advocating for the preservation of natural areas and supporting conservation activities in the Toronto region, contributing to the social foundation upon which TRCA was built.

Mission and Vision

The mission of TRCA is to protect, conserve, and restore natural resources and to develop resilient communities through education, science application, community engagement, service excellence, and collaboration with partners. TRCA envisions the creation of "The Living City" — a sustainable urban community where human settlement flourishes in harmony with nature's beauty and biodiversity.

Programs and Activities

TRCA manages over 40,000 acres of land within the Toronto region, which it uses for purposes including flood control, recreation, education, watershed preservation, and the protection of drinking water sources. Its work involves collaborative efforts with six member municipalities and other partners to conserve, restore, develop, and manage natural resources in the region.

The organization employs more than 475 full-time staff and coordinates over 3,000 volunteers annually, emphasizing community involvement and education. TRCA’s programs span environmental stewardship, conservation area management, flood protection infrastructure, and public outreach.

Conservation Area Strategy

TRCA has developed a Conservation Area Strategy to guide the management and stewardship of lands it owns. This strategy outlines goals and objectives for land conservation and enhancement, classifies land use categories, integrates TRCA lands with public greenspaces and trails, and identifies funding sources for mandatory and non-mandatory programs. The strategy ensures that TRCA’s conservation areas are managed sustainably to protect biodiversity and provide recreational and educational opportunities for the public.

Governance and Values

As a public body governed under the Conservation Authorities Act, TRCA operates with a commitment to integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence. It acts as Ontario’s leading conservation authority in the Toronto region, addressing challenges such as flooding and extreme weather events through science-based practices and innovative environmental management.

TRCA’s sustained leadership in watershed management, urban environmental protection, and community engagement has made it a key organization in fostering a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Greater Toronto Area.