Watershed Security for Ontario

April 22, 2025

On this Earth Day, we are pleased to release our new suite of position papers on the need to replace Ontario’s diluted, fragmented, and ineffective approach to watershed management with an Outcomes-based Framework for Watershed Security, which we define as healthy and resilient watersheds that protect regional ecological integrity, social wellbeing, and economic vitality.

Not only would prescribed ecological outcomes safeguard our watersheds, biodiversity, public health, and economic vitality, a framework identifying a clear lead agency for the outcomes would deliver what the Ontario government has been talking about since 2018: stream-lined, more effective environmental management.

Documents available

Introduction:  Ontario Needs an Outcomes-based Framework for Watershed Security April 22 2025

Recommendations to the Province:  Restoring the Provincial Vision to Protect Our Watersheds April 22 2025 

Recommendations at the Municipal Level:  Integrating Land Use and Watershed Planning through a Municipal Charter April 22 2025

Recommendations for Conservation Authorities:  A Revitalized and Expanded Role for Conservation Authorities April 22 2025

All the above in one document:  Introduction and First Three Sets of Recommendations on Watershed Security April 22 2025

Outreach Campaign

We will be available throughout April and May, and beyond, to provide presentations to government agencies, community organizations, and businesses.

Click here to see a Generic PPT April 2025 that can be tailored to your needs and interests.

Support the OHI by making a donation here.