BACKGROUND
Trends in Watershed Growth and Water Use
The central part of the Grand River watershed is one of the fastest growing areas in Ontario and one of the most attractive areas in Canada in which to do business. The population in the watershed is expected to grow by 30% over the next 20 years, an increase of 250,000 people.
The cities and towns in the watershed are unique in southern Ontario because they are inland from the Great Lakes and rely on ground and surface water resources.
Waterloo Region, Guelph, Brantford and Six Nations depend on the river for water supply. At the same time, 600,000 people discharge their treated wastewater into the Grand River and its major tributaries.
The capacity of the Grand River system to receive additional treated wastewater to accommodate future growth is questionable.
Today, the Grand River is one of the healthiest river systems in North America in a heavily populated area. The natural beauty, cultural diversity and recreational opportunities of the Grand River system were nationally recognized by its designation as a Canadian Heritage River in 1994.
Communities like Grand Valley, New Hamburg, Guelph, Cambridge, Brantford and Dunnville are looking to the river as a focal point for developing a viable tourism industry.
The outstanding cultural and natural heritage and recreational resources of the watershed have a potential for generating economic returns to watershed partners.
Trends in Watershed Health
Since the 1930's, the health of the watershed has improved significantly in these areas:
The Challenge
"The challenge is to ensure that the resources are managed in such a way that economic growth is accommodated; and that economic growth occurs in such a way that the resources are sustained."
(Growth and Development Working Group, November, 1995)