Stewardship

Watershed Stewardship

— the responsible care of our natural resources and wildlife on a watershed basis — is essential to balancing human and economic needs against the needs of our natural environment. We all need a vibrant environment in order to ensure that we have plenty of clean water and a healthy ecosystem. As caretakers of our environment, we need to continue to devise approaches to plan, promote and implement stewardship practices that protect and restore natural resources.

Read more about our free shoreline planting program

 Conservation Authorities have a long history in working with landowners in the planning and delivery of watershed stewardship initiatives.

Conservation Authorities:

  • Develop technical tools to monitor and assess the state of our watersheds
  • Provide advice and technical assistance
  • Promote community involvement
  • Build partnerships with all levels of government, environmental groups, businesses, residents and landowners
  • Create educational resources
Click here for information about the FREE MVC Landowner Advisory Services program

Watershed Stewardship Programs

Rural Water Quality Programs and Services
 
Water is a precious resource. The success of your business, and the health of your family depend on a clean and abundant water supply. Water is also a shared resource that everyone must help safeguard.

Rural or Clean Water Programs offered by Conservation Authorities are initiatives that provide technical assistance and financial incentives to improve and protect water quality on your property and/or farm.

In collaboration with Conservation Authorities local municipalities across the province are offering cost-sharing grants to qualified landowners for beneficial management practices that improve ground and surface water quality. If you are an agricultural producer you may be required to complete an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP). Other landowners may be required to complete a worksheet for projects. Conservation Authorities may also offer increased grant rates for eligible projects.

For information about eligibility, grants and technical assistance please contact your local Conservation Authority.

Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program
 
Since 2007-08, technical and financial assistance has been made available from the Ministry of the Environment to assist landowners in implementing Early Actions to address the protection of municipal drinking water supplies, namely municipal wellheads and municipal surface water intakes across the province. This program is called the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWSP). Presently funding is available for eligible landowners and businesses for projects like:

  • Well Decommissioning
  • Septic System Decommissioning and upgrading
  • Runoff and Erosion Control measures
  • Pollution Prevention Reviews for small businesses

For details about your eligibility, grant rates and technical assistance please contact Brian Anderson, Advisory Services Coordinator at 613-259-2421 ext. 228.