OUR CONSERVATION MANDATE
Conservation Authorities, created in 1946 by an Act of the Provincial Legislature, are mandated to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of Ontario's water, land and natural habitats through programs that balance human, environmental and economic needs.
Otonabee Conservation was established by an Order-in-Council in 1959, and operates in accordance with the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, Chapter C27.
Otonabee Conservation is your community-based environmental protection agency, serving municipalities within the local watershed region. The watershed region covers an area of 1,951 square kilometers and encompasses the drainage basin of the Otonabee, Indian and Ouse Rivers.
The founding principles of the conservation authorities' program are: providing programs, services and opportunities on a watershed basis; local accountability and initaitive; and, cost sharing and partnership arrangements.
Community involvement and partnerships are very important to the way Conservation Authorities do business. Conservation Authorities work with municipalities, provincial and federal governments, landowners, agricultural and rural organizations, environmental groups, business and residents. They strive to make sure that partners are involved with either planning or delivering programs to protect watershed communities. A healthy environment is the greatest legacy we can leave our children and it is critical to the continued economic growth and prosperity in Ontario.
Conservation Authorities vary in size from smaller operations managing one or two watersheds to larger organizations managing one sizable or several adjoining watersheds.
Conservation Authorities are non governmental agencies funded mainly through self generated revenues and municipal levies with some additional funding from provincial and federal grants.
The activities of Ontario's Conservation Authorities may be described in terms of environmental protection, water resource management and lifelong learning and recreation.
Water Resource Managers
The Conservation Authorities are Ontario's community-based environmental experts who use integrated, ecolgically sound environmental practives to manage Ontario's water resources on a watershed basis, maintain secure supplies of clean water, protect communities from flooding and contribute to municipal planning processes
(that protect water).
Environmental Protection
The Conservation Authorities of Ontario protect local ecosystems and contribute to the quality of life in communities throughout the province.
Lifelong Learning and Recreation
The Conservation Authorities of Ontario provide educational and recreational experiences in a natural environment that enrich the lives of peoples of all ages, by instilling an appreciation and enjoyment of our diverse natural heritage.
Conservation Ontario
Otonabee Conservation is a member of Conservation Ontario, a non-government, non-profit organization that represents Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities located thoughout the province.