THE GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION COMMISSION 



The Grand River Conservation Commission was established in 1938 under 

 the Grand River Conservation Act. This Commission is composed of twelve 

 members representing eight urban municipalities. These municipalities are the 

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

 Fergus, and the Village of Elora. 



Established eight years before the passing of The Conservation Authorities 

 Act, The Grand River Conservation Commission was charged with the responsi- 

 bility of dealing with water problems on the Grand River. It is empowered to erect 

 works, and create reservoirs by the construction of dams. 



The Commission has carried out three major projects. The first of these 

 was the Shand Dam and Reservoir on the upper Grand River near Fergus. This 

 dam was completed in 1942. The second project was the Luther Marsh Dam and 

 Reservoir in the Grand River headwaters, completed in 1953. The most recent 

 project has been the Conestogo Dam completed in 1957. 



All of these projects built at a total cost of just over seven million dollars 

 were primarily for flood control on the Grand River. All three projects were 

 financed jointly by the Government of Canada at 3 7 1/2 per cent, the Government 

 of Ontario at 3714 per cent and the benefiting municipalities at 25 per cent. 



THE PARKS ASSISTANCE ACT 



The Parks Assistance Act was passed in 1960. Under it, municipalities may 

 secure grants for the acquisition, planning and development of parks for public 

 recreational use. The grants on approved parks are 50 per cent of the costs up 

 to a maximum grant per project of $50,000. 



The main requirements in developing a park to qualify for a grant under the 

 Act are that sites for overnight tent and trailer camping, adequate sanitary facilities, 

 drinking water, and picnic facilities must be provided. Other developments that 

 can receive a grant include road construction, picnic shelters, swimming, boating, 

 skiing and skating facilities, change houses, beaches and nature trails. Flush-type 

 comfort stations, cooking and laundry facilities may also receive grants. 



Up to March 31, 1963, 234 enquiries for information on The Parks Assistance 

 Act had been received and 25 parks have been approved for grants and are now 

 under development. This brings the area of these parks to a total of 1,500 acres 

 which, when completely developed, will provide some 1,600 campsites. Grants 

 totalling over $400,000 have been authorized for these projects. Some of the 

 work is carried out under Winter Works Incentive Programs. 



During 1962, the Act was amended to permit Indian Bands to participate 

 in benefits under the Act. 



The Act makes available to rural and urban municipalities much needed 

 assistance for the acquisition and development of revenue-producing recreational 

 areas to meet the constantly increasing demands for such space and facilities. 



Grants to municipalities under The Parks Assistance Act are listed in 

 Accounts Branch Statement No. 6. 



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