Watershed Security for Ontario

Phase II:

February 3 to at least April 30, 2025

Release of Discussion Paper

Responding to requests for more context for the Municipal Charter released in Phase
I, the OHI today released a comprehension nine-page paper calling for broad
discussion on replacing Ontario’s fragmented approach to watershed management
with an Outcomes-based Framework for Watershed Security, which we define as
healthy and resilient watersheds that ensure regional ecological integrity, social
wellbeing, and economic vitality.

The Framework we offer and suggest be a basis for discussion includes
recommendations to:

-Address policy and implementation gaps in watershed management at the
provincial level;
-Integrate land use and watershed planning at the municipal level; and,
-Revitalize and expand the role of conservation authorities and similar agencies.

You can see the Discussion Paper here.

You can see a PDF of just the 29 recommended items for discussion here Recommendations from the OHI Discussion Paper February 15. 

Outreach Campaign, Feb 3- April 30, 2025

Our multi-phased outreach campaign consists of:

1. A digital campaign sending an e-mail to the Premier and the leaders

of the three other main provincial parties supporting the call for wide-spread
discussion on replacing the current approach to watershed management with
an Outcomes-Based Framework for Watershed Security.

Support this campaign here.

2. A digital campaign sending an e-mail to your local Mayor, based on your
postal code, supporting the need to integrate land use and watershed planning
at the municipal level, using the OHI’s Municipal Charter for Watershed Security
as a model.

Support this campaign here.

3. Organizations are invited to send a letter to the Premier and the leaders

of the three other main provincial parties supporting the call for wide-spread
discussion on the need to replace the current approach to watershed
management with an Outcomes-based Framework for Watershed Security.

See a template letter here.

4. The OHI is offering presentations to community organizations and
government agencies on the Discussion Paper and the Municipal
Charter for Watershed Security. Please contact us via
andrew@ontarioheadwaters.ca to discuss an in-person or remote
presentation.

Phase I:  September – November, 2024

Develop Draft Municipal Charter and Solicit Feedback: Complete

November 24, 2024 – OHI releases the final text of the Municipal Charter

for Watershed Security. See the Charter here.

Issue Draft Municipal Charter for Watershed Security Charter, Conduct

Survey, and Request Comments – Complete

November 18, 2024

Positive feedback suggests the project has legs and needs more time and

resources, especially regarding outreach to municipalities and First Nations.

November 5, 2024

Survey Results show overwhelming support for the draft Charter. Comments

include numerous suggested edits and desires to bring the Charter to local

councils. Click to see the Survey Results.

September 24 , 2024

OHI releases a draft Municipal Charter for Watershed Security, solicits comments,

and asks people to take a survey.