In late December, following years of negotiations, the former Canada Southern Railway (CASO) section that stretches 47 kilometres through Essex County was successfully protected for public use, thanks to a partnership between the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), the County of Essex, Town of Tecumseh, Town of Essex and Municipality […]
Bill 23, More Homes Built Faster received rapid Royal Assent on November 28, despite the Province of Ontario extending the comment period for many elements of this Bill until December 9. “In the absence of the Bill’s associated regulations, there has been widespread confusion on what this actually means,” says Tim Byrne, […]
The Winner of the 2022 Conservation Farm Award was announced at the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 1, 2022. The award is presented each year to the farming operation which best display’s conservation minded farming practices from those nominated. The farms are graded […]
What’s better than kicking off the holidays in good old-fashioned style at the John R. Park Homestead Christmas in the Country special event? Getting to also shop for unique, handmade special gift items at the Holiday Makers’ Market at the same time. And it’s all happening on Sunday, December 4 […]
The Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) is having its 2022 annual meeting on Thursday, December 1, 2022, from 9:00 am. to 3:00 pm. Door registration starts at 8:30am. Please preregister by Nov 29 by email mdick@erca.org, or call 519-776-5209 x369. An interesting and informative schedule has been planned […]
A 40 acre restoration project is underway at the Caldwell First Nation. Members from the Nation were joined by students from Leamington District Secondary School, employees from Jamieson Wellness, and representatives from the Essex Region Conservation Authority and Foundation to plant 100 trees and wetland plants on this former agricultural land […]
The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), like all 36 Conservation Authorities across the Province of Ontario, works proactively with the development industry and all levels of government to ensure that well-planned development can happen safely while ensuring the safety of people and property from the dangers of flooding and erosion, […]
Kristin Ives, Curator/Education Coordinator at the Essex Region Conservation Authority was named as President of the Ontario Historical Society (OHS) at its Annual Meeting on November 2. She has served on the OHS Board since 2013, most recently, as its Vice President. “I am honoured to have been elected as […]
Collavino Family donates wetland habitat to ERCA to create Collavino Conservation Area Amherstburg – Thanks to a generous donation by the Collavino family, 150 acres of ecologically sensitive wetland habitat will be protected in perpetuity by the Essex Region Conservation Authority. The donation was finalized in early October and is a mix […]
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Acknowledged at the John R. Park Homestead Essex – September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada. The day honours the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic […]
After a two year hiatus, the much loved Harvest and Horses Festival returns to the John R. Park Homestead on Sunday, October 2, 2022. “This festival introduces visitors to the history behind fall celebrations and the development of various autumn traditions,” says Kris Ives, Homestead Curator/Education Coordinator. “Harvest was an […]
All eyes will be on the skies this September as local birders and nature lovers take in one of North America’s greatest migrations. These watchers will call the Holiday Beach Conservation Area home as they take in a grand spectacle: tens of thousands of hawks and raptors flying overhead on […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Thursday, September 8 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Updating ERCA Safe Access Policies · Little River Floodplain Mapping Project Update · Heritage Architect Report – Condition Assessment […]
The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area was honoured to welcome Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers to open her #hopeandhealingcanada art installation exhibit on August 29, 2022. The #hopeandhealingcanada project created by Ms. Chambers consists of a series of site specific art installations across Canada. Each is made using crochet, knit, and […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Foundation is ready to welcome hundreds of cyclists to enjoy the “Place for Life” by bike on September 24th for the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour. Back by popular demand, the tour will once again begin and end at the beautiful Mettawas Park in Kingsville, […]
The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup, Essex Region Conservation Authority, and the Windsor Port Authority will be hosting an environmental tour of Windsor’s Sandwich community on Tuesday August 23 2022 from 6pm to 8pm. “The Detroit River has a vibrant environmental story of ecosystem recovery through partnerships and local action,” said […]
Essex – The historic home of John and Amelia Park turns 180 this year, and the John R. Park Homestead has a Summer of Celebrations planned to mark this significant milestone. “We’ve planned special themes for each weekend, with some weekday special experiences as well,” says Kris Ives, the Homestead’s Curator. […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) held its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting at the Essex County Civic and Education Centre on Thursday, June 23 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items included: · 2021 DRAFT Audited Financial Statements and Financial Condition Update · Endorsement of Category 3 Non-Mandatory Programs and Services […]
Plant Positivity Community Entrance by Tilray Brands to Connect Trails, Provide Pollinator Habitat in Essex Region Essex – This Earth Day, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and Essex Region Conservation Foundation are proud to announce a partnership with Tilray Brands, Inc. (“Tilray Brands”) (NASDAQ: TLRY, TSX: TLRY), which will improve access to […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, April 14 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Municipality of Lakeshore Shoreline Management Plan · Ontario Environment Fund · 2022 ERCA Budget Approval · Turkey Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling – Project Update · Township of […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Foundation hosted its Virtual Annual General Meeting on March 23, thanking its many donors and recognizing two award recipients. The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation, whose philanthropy has supported dozens of important causes in the Windsor-Essex community and beyond, was awarded the Clifford Hatch Conservation […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, February 17 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Implementation of Streamlined Approvals for Common Hydro One Works · 2022 ERCA Budget Approval A full copy of the agenda can be found here: https://essexregionconservation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ERCA_Agenda_Amended-Final-17FEB2022.pdf […]
Essex Region – On February 2, World Wetlands Day is recognized, and this year’s focus is a call to take action for wetlands. The Essex Region Conservation Authority is highlighting two significant wetland projects currently being undertaken to expand and improve wetland habitat in the Essex region. At Hillman Marsh Conservation […]
Essex Region – Seven organizations and individuals were honoured with Essex Region Conservation Awards for their efforts in making the Windsor/Essex/Pelee Island region more environmentally sustainable. “It’s very inspiring to have the opportunity to celebrate so many organizations and individuals who have made an incredible impact on the environment,” said Tania Jobin, […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its Annual General Meeting virtually on Thursday, January 20 at 6:00 pm. The Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected. Agenda items include a review of the preceding year and the recognition of the 2021 Conservation Award Winners. A full copy […]
Essex Region – Over the past month, significant construction works have been ongoing at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area. Rehabilitation of the dykes is being conducted in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, while Wheatley Harbour has been accessing the site regularly to provide sand replenishment. However, in providing access for construction traffic […]
The future of Hillman Marsh is bright and noisy with birdsong thanks to weeks of restoration work to secure the habitat from high water levels and heavy wave action on Lake Erie. Record-high water levels on Lake Erie combined with severe storms in recent years to wash away the sand […]
The Essex Region Conservation Authority advises that, due to the forecasted wind conditions this afternoon and lasting through the evening, a Flood Watch is in effect for the following areas: – Western shoreline of Pelee Island and islands within the western basin of Lake Erie; and – Municipality of Leamington, […]
The winner of the 2021 Conservation Farm Award was announced at the Essex Soil & Crop Improvement Association (ESCIA) Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021. The award is presented each year to the farming operation which best display’s conservation minded farming practices from those nominated. The farms are graded […]
Essex Region – Essex Region Conservation is seeking nominees who have made an environmental impact in the Place for Life! “Throughout this year, organizations and individuals were creative in finding ways to protect and improve our local environment while continuing to adhere to public health restrictions,” says Danielle Breault Stuebing, Director […]
Public Information Centre Planned for Floodplain Mapping in the Little River Watershed Essex Region – As part of the overall Master Servicing Plan being completed for the Sandwich South Study Area by the City of Windsor, ERCA is in the process of updating the Regulatory Floodplain Maps for the Little River Watershed. […]
Amherstburg, ON – A new, natural playground has been created at Holiday Beach Conservation Area in Amherstburg, thanks to a generous gift from Enbridge Inc. Today, students from Natural Pathways Forest and Nature School joined dignitaries to cut the ribbon to officially open this innovative play space. Enbridge Inc, a leading […]
Sincere appreciation to all of the partners who have ensured Conservation & Outdoor Education can continue. Windsor/Essex, ON- October 20 marks national Take Me Outside Day, a day which encourages children and youth to spend more time outside through various projects and initiatives, like outdoor education. Upon learning that conservation education […]
Essex Region – The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is ready to welcome visitors back for some old-fashioned fall fun. As the nights grow longer and the air gets crisp, there’s no better way to celebrate the start of the autumn season than with a visit to the historic Park […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Foundation is ready to welcome hundreds of cyclists to the “Place for Life” this Saturday, September 25 for the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour. To ensure the health and safety of both cyclists and volunteers, each of the five routes will begin in waves […]
Amherstburg– All eyes will be on the skies this September as local birders and nature lovers take in one of North America’s greatest migrations. Tens of thousands of hawks and raptors will fly overhead on their annual journey to nesting grounds in the south. In recognition of the amazing sight, […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, September 9 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Floodplain Prioritization Project · Financial Activities for the period ending July 31, 2021 · Turkey Creek Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modelling – Project Update · Essex Region […]
As the end of summer approaches, youth ages 12-14 can join ERCA’s Education staff for Outdoor Experience Days at the John R Park Homestead! Registration is required in advance, spaces are limited. To register go to: Eventbrite: Outdoor Experience Day – Old Fashioned Fun Eventbrite: Outdoor Experience Day – Navigation […]
The Friends of the John R. Park Homestead will be hosting their popular annual Fundraising Yard Sale on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22nd at the John R. Park Homestead from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.! If you have quality, gently used items to donate, please contact the Friends […]
Essex Region – After hosting a virtual event in 2020, the Essex Region Conservation Foundation is ready to welcome hundreds of cyclists to enjoy the “Place for Life” by bike on September 25th for the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour. Back by popular demand, the tour will once again begin and end […]
Windsor, ON – It’s hard to believe that two decades have passed since the Detroit River became the first and only river in North America to be designated as a Canadian and American Heritage River. On this day 20 years ago, dignitaries from the across the region joined then Deputy Prime […]
Essex, ON – A small group of dignitaries gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the new Heritage & Conservation Centre at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area. This new centre will enhance the educational, cultural and visitor experiences for all guests. The visitor experience begins with a grand entrance […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, June 17 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Conservation Ontario: Governance Accountability and Transparency Initiative · 2020 Draft Audited Financial Statements, Financial Sustainability and Condition · Designation of Provincial Offences Officer · City of Windsor Council […]
Essex Region – With lake levels beginning to recede, the beach at Holiday Beach reopens for swimming this weekend. “For the past three years, unprecedented lake levels resulted in such severe erosion and falling trees that we were forced to close the beach for safety reasons,” explains Tim Byrne, Essex Region Conservation […]
Changes to Conservation Authorities Act raise concern about the future of reforestation program Essex Region – The Essex Region will become a little greener in the coming weeks. With some modifications to planting practices to ensure safety, ERCA is gearing up to reforest over 150 acres of land by planting and distributing […]
Windsor/Essex – With the Province of Ontario’s State of Emergency in effect, Essex Region Conservation confirms the following adjustments to our programs and facilities: · All essential services including our Flood Forecasting and Warning remain active. Staff are working remotely. The Essex County Civic Centre remains closed, and our offices also closed […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Authority has unanimously approved its 2021 Budget following consultation and review with its Finance and Audit Advisory Board, the full Authority Board and additionally, circulated to each of the Authority’s governing municipalities for distribution to respective municipal councils. The budget totals just over $10 million, […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Foundation hosted its Virtual Annual General Meeting on March 24, thanking its many donors and recognizing two award recipients. The award for Outstanding Corporate Contribution was presented to Hicks, MacPherson, Iatonna & Driedger LLP Accountants (HMID). HMID and its predecessor firms began donating audit services in 1978. […]
Essex Region – The Essex Region Conservation Authority has approved its 2021 Draft Budget for circulation to its member municipalities. The budget totals just over $10 million, and includes a levy request of $3,454,619. This is equivalent to $10.75 per person, an increase of 26 cents from 2020. The budget responds to […]
Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, January 21 at 6:00 pm. The Chair and Vice-Chair will be elected. Agenda items include a review of the preceding year and the recognition of the 2020 Conservation Award Winners. A full copy of […]
November 19, 2020 Media Release Essex Region – Essex Region Conservation is seeking nominees who have made an environment impact in the Place for Life! “In this difficult and uncertain year, it’s more important than ever to celebrate those who are making important strides in environmental protection,” says Danielle Breault Stuebing, […]
Media Advisory Nov 10, 2020 Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: · Capital Projects Update · Watershed Management Services Staffing, Service Delivery Capacity & Legislated Response Times · 2021 Board Meeting Schedule A […]
Kevin Money, ERCA’s Director of Conservation Areas, identifies the location of the new wetland and preliminary route for the new cycling trail at Holiday Beach. ERCA Media Release: Amherstburg – Watersheds in Amherstburg will be healthier, thanks to the support of the Amherstburg Community Foundation (ACF). The ACF has raised funds […]
October 20, 2020 Media Release Owl-oween Owl Prowl Amherstburg – Looking for a magical way to celebrate this spooky season? Join us for an Owl-oween Owl Prowl! Starting at the new Outdoor Classroom at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, learn more about the owls of Ontario, their adaptations, calls, and behaviours. Then, experience […]
October 6, 2020 Media Advisory Essex Region Conservation Authority to Meet Essex Region –The Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors’ meeting digitally on Thursday, October 8 at 6:00 pm. Agenda items include: Clarification of Building and Structure Renovation vs. Reconstruction Water and Erosion […]