The Ontario government says it is taking steps to improve the performance and consistency of the province’s 36 conservation authorities with the appointment of a new Chief Conservation Executive.
Starting August 4, 2025, Hassaan Basit will assume the newly created role aimed at streamlining operations, increasing oversight, and helping deliver faster results for communities. The province says the position is part of its broader effort to reduce red tape, support housing and infrastructure development, and maintain strong environmental protection across Ontario’s watersheds.
Basit is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Burlington and previously served as President and CEO of Conservation Halton. His background includes work in flood management, environmental restoration and sustainable development. He also led a provincial advisory group focused on modernizing conservation authority practices.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks says Basit’s leadership will help drive accountability and consistency across the province, while ensuring conservation authorities stay focused on protecting people and property from natural hazards.
The province says it has introduced several legislative and regulatory reforms since 2019 to improve governance and transparency among conservation authorities. These authorities, established in 1946, play a key role in local watershed management, development review, flood prevention and source water protection.
Ontario says modernization is essential to support long-term resilience and community safety while enabling responsible growth.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
