skip to main content

History of ABCA

The former Ausable River Conservation Authority was Ontario’s first conservation authority. It was created in 1946. The Bayfield River watershed and smaller streams were added in 1971.

Local municipalities and the Province of Ontario formed Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) to prevent the loss of important local ecosystems, to protect life and property through flood management, and to build a healthier natural environment on a watershed scale.

To find out more about Ausable Bayfield Conservation, visit our 'About' page and read our Annual Reports on this website ... especially the 2006 Annual Report (60th Anniversary Edition).