THE GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION COMMISSION 



The Grand River Conservation Commission was established in 1938 

 under The Grand River Conservation Act. The Commission is composed of 

 twelve members representing eight urban municipalities. These municipalities 

 are the Cities of Brantford, Gait, Kitchener and Waterloo, the Towns of Paris, 

 Preston and Fergus, and the Village of Elora. 



The Grand River Conservation Act was passed eight years prior to the 

 passing of The Conservation Authorities Act. It charges the Commission with 

 the responsibility of dealing with water problems on the Grand River. The Act 

 empowers the Commission to erect works and create reservoirs by the construc- 

 tion of dams. 



Three major projects have been carried out by the Commission. The 

 first of these was the Shand Dam and reservoir near Fergus, completed in 1942. 

 The Luther Marsh Dam and reservoir in the headquarters of the Grand River 

 was completed in 1953. The Conestogo Dam is the most recent project and 

 was completed in 1957. 



These projects were primarily for flood control on the Grand River. They 

 cost just over $7,000,000 and all were financed jointly by the Government of 

 Canada, the Province of Ontario and the benefiting municipalities in the ratio 

 of 37Vi, 2>1V2 and 25 per cent. 



THE PARKS ASSISTANCE ACT 



The Parks Assistance Act was passed in 1960. This Act provides for the 

 payment of grants to municipalities of 50-per-cent of the cost, up to a maximum 

 grant of $50,000, on acquisition, planning and development of municipal parks 

 as public recreation areas complementary to Provincial Parks. 



In 1962 an amendment to the Act permitted Indian Bands to participate 

 in the benefits available under the Act. This has provided for them, as well as 

 urban and rural municipalities throughout the Province, much-needed assistance 

 in acquiring and developing land suitable for picnic and camping purposes. 



The main requirements to qualify for a grant under this Act are that the 

 parks provide sites for overnight tent and trailer camping, and a safe supply 

 of drinking water as well as picnic and sanitary facilities. Other developments 

 in these parks which are eligible for grant include construction of roads and 

 picnic shelters, facilities for water and winter sports, and for cooking and laundry. 



Up to March 31, 1964, 280 inquiries for information on The Parks Assist- 

 ance Act had been received and 35 parks approved for grants, bringing a total 

 of some 2,153 acres under development. 



Grants in excess of $625,000 have been authorized to date and further 

 assistance has been provided under the Federal-Provincial Winter Works Program. 



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