2022 marked the 50th Anniversary of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority!

On June 21, 1972, Ontario Lieutenant Governor William Ross Macdonald approved an Order-in-Council, creating the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority at the recommendation of the Minister of Natural Resources and request of local municipalities. 

NBMCA's focus when it began was the protection of people and property from natural hazards and flooding,  advising municipalities on consents and plans of subdivision, creating science-based watershed management studies for subwatersheds, as well as the opening of conservation areas for public appreciation, conservation and protection of natural hazard and heritage lands.   

These initiatives formed the foundation of NBMCA's integrated watershed management efforts to balance human needs with the needs of the natural environment. NBMCA has continued to do all this and more over the past 50 years.

Over the years, NBMCA has learned that protecting and conserving our watershed relies on collaboration and cooperation with individuals, organizations, and communities.   Our vision states that we provide leadership in watershed management through cooperation with others.   Our 50th Anniversary initiatives celebrated the shared stewardship of our watersheds.

Shout out to Our Unsung Watershed Heroes!

As part of the 50th Anniversary activities, NBMCA invited the community to help us recognize others who have been and are contributing to the health of our watershed. The   Follow this link to learn more and submit the name of someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a Watershed Hero!

Boardwalk of Champions - Honour a Champion in Your Life!

NBMCA's Boardwalk of Champions is an opportunity for you to give recognition to someone who has inspired you, someone you want to be remembered, someone who is celebrating a special milestone in their life, someone who has overcome a challenge or someone who has contributed to the well-being of others!  For a $100 donation (which supports NBMCA's scholarship and outreach programs) NBMCA will acknowledge your champion with an engraved pinecone on a trail boardwalk.  Follow this link to learn more and make your donation to recognize your champion! 

Municipal Proclamations - May 2022 was NBMCA 50th Anniversary Month

NBMCA's member municipalities recognize, appreciate and value the expertise, advice and leadership of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority in balancing human needs with the needs of the natural environment on a watershed basis.  In honour of NBMCA's 50th Anniversary, area municipalities have proclaimed May at NBMCA 50th Anniversary Celebration Month!  Follow this link to read the proclamation. 

Educational Bursaries & Awards 

In honour of NBMCA's 50th Anniversary and to help support students who are pursuing post-secondary environmental studies, NBMCA is offering bursaries to Nipissing University, Canadore College, and Secondary School Environmental High Skills Major students.  Follow this link to learn more about these environmental education bursaries. 

Watershed Wonders Photo Contest 

Whether you live in our watershed or visit our lakes, streams and conservation areas, we know you'll love and appreciate the natural beauty of our priceless watersheds!  You're invited to share your photographs. Submissions were made in five categories:

  • People and Nature:  Recreation, adventure, people enjoying the outdoors
  • Landscape:  A sense of place, with or without people
  • Water:  Above, below or in between
  • Wildlife: In the wild or in your backyard
  • Sustainable Structures:  things that people build, manufacture, create in ways that respects, protects or enhances the environment and our watershed.

Follow this link to learn more about the Watershed Wonders Photo Contest

Miskwaadesi - A Partnership with the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre 

"Miskwaadesi" (Ojibwe for Painted Turtle) will be a unique space on the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people can gather, honouring the traditions, culture and teachings of our Indigenous community while developing an appreciation of the significance of water to us all.  The petroform has been completed; and fundraising is underway to complete the amphitheater seating area.