Watershed Security for Ontario

Phase II:

February 3 to at least April 30, 2025

On February 3, the OHI released a comprehension nine-page paper calling

for extensive discussion on the need to replace Ontario’s diluted and

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.

 

Nestled within the discussion paper is our previously-released Municipal

Charter for Watershed Security, which calls for the integration of land use

and watershed planning at the municipal level.

 

Documents available

Provincial discussion paper: We Need to Talk About Watershed Security. 

A  2-page PDF of the recommendations in the Discussion paper.

A standalone version of the Municipal Charter for Watershed Security.

A Generic Powerpoint Presentation that can be tailored to your local needs.

 

Outreach Campaign*

1.Presentations: Throughout March, April, and into May, the OHI will be

providing webinar presentations to community groups on the

Discussion Paper and the Municipal Charter. See the Generic

Presentation above and request one to your organization via e-mail to

andrew@ontarioheadwaters.com. 

 

2.Provincial Action:  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 replacing the

current approach to watershed management with an Outcomes-Based

Framework for Watershed Security.

See a template letter here. Please send us a copy when you do.

 

3.Municipal Action: Everyone is invited to send an e-mail to their

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 email campaign here.

 

*A second e-mail campaign on the Discussion Paper created confusion

and was terminated in early March in favour of item 2 above. 

 

Support the OHI by making a donation here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.