The 1960 Mattagami River Flood and 1961 Town Creek Flood led to the loss of life and extensive property damage. As a result, the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) was established in 1962, through Order-in-Council 4733/61 as the Mattagami Valley Conservation Authority. In 1974, with the amalgamation of the City of Timmins, the MRCA grew to its current size through Order-in-Council 322/74 .

Although its focus early on was on flooding issues, our program today has expanded to include water management, land management, recreation and conservation education.