About MVC

Water is a finite resource which is under increasing stress. Jurisdictions around the world have recognized that safeguarding our water resources requires an integrated management approach which addresses the linkages between watershed ecosystems the economy and society. The Mississippi River is not immune from this stress and Mississippi Valley Conservation (MVC) directs its efforts towards supporting an integrated approach to watershed management in cooperation with the eleven watershed municipalities and other stakeholders.

Conservation authorities are built on the commitment and support of member municipalities through their leadership on the Conservation Authority Board of Directors and within the municipalities at large. Due to the sensitivity of these water bodies, MVC employs a variety of programs designed to guide human activities in a manner which will minimize the risk to life and property from flooding and the long term and cumulative effects on the quality and availability of water needed to support recreation, tourism, hydro-generation and water supply.

Our Vision
"A watershed in which ecological integrity is maintained and human needs are met, now and in the future, in balance with the needs of the natural environment."

Our Mission
"Mississippi Valley Conservation will assume a leadership role in the conservation, enhancement and development of the Mississippi Valley by way of watershed planning, integrated resource management programs, and conservation awareness."

The Mississippi River watershed is 4,450 km2 from its headwaters at Mazinaw Lake to the west and confluence at the Ottawa River to the east.

It is the responsibility of MVC to ensure that the watershed remain a healthy and viable community through its management and protection of the river and lands. Through stewardship initiatives such as public outreach and youth education programs, MVC strives to instill a conservation ethic in the residents, visitors and leaders of the communities in the watershed. This stewardship message is reiterated at our conservation areas—Purdon, the Mill of Kintail and Morris Island—and through our watershed monitoring network.
MVC provides technical advice, plan review and resource management services to municipalities and partner organizations.

Other essential services provided by MVC are: flood forecasting and warning, official plan review, regulations enforcement, water quality monitoring and special projects with partner organizations.

A member of the Conservation Ontario network.