Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

The mandate of Conservation Authorities is defined in Section 20 of the Provincial Conservation Authorities Act: "to establish and undertake, in the area in which it has jurisdiction, a program designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources other than gas, oil, coal and minerals.

The objectives of Conservation Authorities are:

• To ensure that Ontario's rivers, lakes and streams are properly safeguarded, managed and restored;
• To protect, manage and restore Ontario's woodlands, wetlands and natural habitat;
• To develop and maintain programs that will protect life and property from natural hazards such as flooding and erosion;
• To provide opportunities for the public to enjoy, learn from and respect Ontario's natural environment.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

The Watershed

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) covers the upper watershed of the Thames River, an area of 3,482 square kilometres. The watershed is mainly rural except for the larger urban centres of London, Stratford and Woodstock and has a total population of approximately 485,000. Agriculture is the main component of the landscape with approximately 3,600 farms, including over 2,000 livestock operations.

The watershed's location in a highly developed part of southern Ontario results in pressures from urban and rural land uses. The water quality of the Thames and its tributaries is impacted by drainage practices, runoff, spills and bank alterations, among other activities. Much of the forest cover in the watershed has been cleared for agricultural fields or urban development. The forests have also been affected by alien species and over-logging. Despite these pressures, the Thames remains one of the most biologically diverse rivers in Canada. The river is home to over 90 species of fish and many species at risk including the spiny softshell turtle and the queen snake. The entire Thames River system (including tributaries) has been designated a Canadian Heritage River based on its rich cultural heritage and diverse recreational opportunities.

Programs & Services

The UTRCA's mission statement is "Inspiring a healthy environment." The 17 municipalities within the upper Thames watershed appoint representatives to the UTRCA's Board of Directors. The directors represent the local urban and rural communities, deciding policies and programs that will lead to a healthy watershed.

Each Conservation Authority takes its priorities from the needs of their watershed environment and residents. The UTRCA has shifted from its initial focus on flood control and prevention through structural engineering solutions and land acquisition, to a more holistic, ecosystem approach. Our programs and services today include:

• Flood/water control
• Environmental planning
• Watershed planning
• Environmental monitoring
• Research
• Soil conservation
• Forestry
• Conservation areas
• Lands & facilities
• Environmentally significant areas
• Community partnerships
• Drinking water source protection
• Service cost centres

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors are appointed to the UTRCA Board by member municipalities. A duly appointed member of a participating municipality is responsible to:

• Properly represent the interest of the municipality. To this end the member must keep abreast of any matters or issues before the Conservation Authority which would affect the municipality. The member must take the substance of these matters known to the municipality and must make the views of the municipality known to the Conservation Authority.
• Consider the interest and needs of the Conservation Authority as a whole. The member is not only the representative of the municipality but is also a member of the full Conservation Authority. The member is expected to become aware and knowledgeable of programs, projects and activities of the Authority and be prepared to discuss issues at Authority meetings. The member must use good judgement and common-sense in balancing the interests of the municipality with the broader interests of the Conservation Authority and the other member municipalities.
• Represent the residents of the municipality. Matters frequently arise which may not concern the municipality per se but which do concern the individual citizen and Conservation Authority. The member has a responsibility to direct the concerns of citizens to the Authority for consideration.
• Attend all Authority meetings. The UTRCA meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the Administration Building located in Fanshawe Conservation Area, London. Meetings are usually 2 hours in length.

Please visit the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Website for more information.