Shape the Future of Our Watershed – Share Your Input into the UTRCA Watershed Strategy! 

At the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA), our mission is to: 

• protect people and property from flood and erosion hazards and support safe development, 

• protect and enhance water quality and a sustainable water supply, 

• make science-based decisions and deliver landowner stewardship, 

• provide natural spaces and recreational opportunities, and 

• empower communities and youth. 

To further set out our guiding principles and objectives, we are preparing a Watershed-based Resource Management Strategy (Watershed Strategy) with the goal of improving the effectiveness of our programs and services. 

Through consultation with municipalities, First Nations, and the public, the Watershed Strategy will assess resource conditions, trends, risks, and issues that could impact the delivery of our programs and services. 

For instance, we have identified the following issues that will require coordinated, multiparty, and multijurisdictional actions and innovative funding solutions: 

• Climate variability and change 

• Water quality including phosphorus, harmful algae blooms, and other concerns (e.g., contaminants, salt pollution) 

• Alteration to watercourses and wetlands (e.g., vegetation removal, channelization, watercourse barriers) 

• Loss of natural vegetation cover (e.g., forests) and increased development pressure 

• Overuse and overcrowding of UTRCA natural areas and parks 

• Invasive species and forest pests/pathogens 

• Environmental injustice 

• Disconnections from nature (i.e., limited opportunities to connect with nature) 

Now, we want to hear from you!  

Your feedback on the Watershed Strategy will be considered as we prepare the final draft by the end of 2024. The full Watershed Strategy document (draft) is available on our Engage Thames River website, along with a short survey to gather your thoughts and opinions. 

Please visit engage.thamesriver.on.ca to participate now.