Grand River Conservation Authority approves budget for 2025

The Grand River Conservation Authority has approved a $40 million budget for 2025, striving to sustain program delivery while facing escalating costs.

The authority said in a press release their 26 member board approved the budget on Friday.

Municipalities within the Grand River watershed, including Waterloo Region, Halton Region, Oxford County and the City of Guelph make up 34 per cent of the budget by contributing $13.8 million.

The largest portion, 46 per cent, will come from their own revenue sources, including hydro sales, property rentals, camping fees, and donations to the Grand River Conservation Foundation.

“While there continue to be various challenges such as escalating costs, aging infrastructure and increased demands on passive conservation lands, the GRCA is presenting a balanced budget in 2025,” said GRCA Chair John Challinor II in a press release. “The budget focuses on the responsible delivery of the programs and services that our watershed municipalities and residents rely on.”

Grants from various levels of government, including federal, provincial and municipal, will make up $4.1 million, or 10 per cent.

The last 10 per cent will come from reserves.