Do you own farmland or rural property and want to see it protected for generations to come? We’re seeking interested landowners to explore placing a voluntary conservation or farmland easement (CEA) on their property to contribute to Canada’s goal of protecting 30% of land and water by 2030, while safeguarding the agricultural and natural areas that make your land special.
A CEA is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation organization that protects identified conservation or agricultural features of a property in perpetuity. Each agreement is uniquely tailored to reflect the values of your land and your vision for its future. It is not a sale or transfer of your property; you continue to own, live on, farm, and even sell your land. The agreement is simply registered on title and remains in place for future owners.
Why consider a conservation easement?
Landowners choose CEAs for many reasons, including but not limited to the following:
Leave a living legacy for land that has been in the family for generations
Protect farmland, forests, wetlands, or other natural features from future development
Receive significant income tax benefits, including a charitable tax receipt based on the appraised value of the easement
Eligibility for enhanced tax benefits through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program (if applicable)
CEAs are enabled under Ontario’s Conservation Land Act and remain permanently attached to the property title, meaning the protections continue, even if the land is sold.
Helpful Resources
FAQs
Landowners receive permanent protection of identified agricultural or natural features, along with potential financial benefits. When a CEA is donated, a qualified appraiser determines the difference in fair market value before and after the easement is registered. The landowner may receive a charitable tax receipt for that difference. Properties with significant ecological features may also qualify for enhanced federal tax benefits.
CEAs restrict specific changes to land use that could harm identified conservation or agricultural values. The CEA may designate some parts of the property for building, while designating other parts of the property for protection with no buildings, wetland drainage or forest removal permitted. However, restrictions are negotiated and tailored to each property. This is not a one-size-fits-all agreement. Flexibility is built into the drafting process to reflect your needs and long-term plans.
Yes. You retain ownership. You can continue living on, working, and managing your property. The agreement simply ensures that agreed-upon conservation values are protected.
Yes. The agreement remains on title and applies to future owners, but you are free to sell your property at any time.
People are often concerned a CEA means they lose ownership or the ability to farm their land. This is not the case:
- It is not a sale or donation of your land to a conservation organization
- It is not government expropriation
- It is not a rigid, overly restrictive rulebook
- It is not a one-size-fits-all tool
A CEA is a collaborative, voluntary agreement designed to protect what matters most, while respecting your ownership and stewardship.