A Shared Waters Approach for the Thames River (Deshkan Ziibi) (UTRCA weekly, April 8, 2022)

For more than a decade, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has been collaborating in a long-term initiative called the Thames River Clear Water Revival (TRCWR). This partnership brings together Indigenous peoples, three levels of government, two local conservation authorities, and the local community. The initiative’s shared goal is a healthy and vital Thames River, which will also benefit Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie.

“Our first major project was to develop a report on the state of the environment in the Thames River watershed, with a focus on water quantity and quality,” explained Tara Tchir, TRCWR Project Manager. “The result is The Thames River (Deshkan Ziibi) Shared Waters Approach to Water Quantity and Quality, which was completed in 2019.”

The Shared Waters Approach (SWA) outlines recommendations to address water quality and quantity information gaps and monitoring needs, as well as solutions through best practices, technology, and alternative approaches by the various stakeholders.

“The SWA contains significant input from four of the eight distinct First Nations whose traditional territory includes the Thames River watershed,” said Tara. “The document highlights the positive participation and sharing of traditional ecological knowledge within this framework, and the valued participation of the First Nations in implementation.”

The SWA is especially important for the Upper Thames River and Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authorities. “The report is the foundation for the watershed management strategy each Conservation Authority is developing, in accordance with the new Conservation Authorities Act regulations,” said Eleanor Heagy, UTRCA Communications Specialist.

The TRCWR is now creating a strategy to implement the SWA recommendations, as well as to broaden participation in the delivery of the recommendations.

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist