The Vision

The following description of the Grand River watershed represents the shared vision of participants in The Grand Strategy, 1996. It is written as a 'State of the Grand River Watershed' address to watershed residents in the year 2021.

"In February 1994, the Grand River was designated as a Canadian Heritage River. On reflection, this event marked the beginning of a new era in cooperative watershed management which was accelerated in the succeeding year by federal and provincial financial restraints.

Through the ongoing collaborative efforts of individuals, community groups, businesses, landowners, educational institutions, municipalities and government agencies, The Grand Strategy has changed our attitudes, the way in which we interact with each other, and how we relate to our natural and human environments. The Grand River valley is now regarded as a prized and priceless asset, world renowned for its natural beauty, cultural diversity and economic prosperity.

Today, the rivers and streams are measurably cleaner than they were twenty-five years ago. We can now eat the fish from the river and swim almost anywhere without health concerns. The Grand River provides reliable sources of clean, potable water which support urban and rural growth within the watershed.

Our communities are economically robust and aesthetically pleasing. Pedestrian and bicycle trails make use of natural areas to link residential, commercial and industrial areas to river corridors. New residential subdivisions are compact and energy efficient. Residents widely support recycling and resource conservation programs. Public transportation is heavily used as a majority of watershed residents are employed locally. Downtown urban areas are vibrant retail and commercial centres which provide a focus for community activities. New technical and service industries are attracted to the watershed as a preferred area in which to invest and entice prospective employees. Fluctuating river flows are controlled to minimize flooding and drought.

Rural areas retain a pastoral quality and way of life. The cultural landscapes shaped by early aboriginal and European settlements are still evident. Innovative farming techniques, conservation measures and technological advances have increased agricultural productivity while reducing chemical and organic runoff into local creeks and streams. Natural corridors and forests have rejuvenated and expanded. They are now connected throughout the rural countryside providing wildlife habitat, representative flora and fauna, vegetative buffers and renewable timber.

The Grand River is now considered a 'world-class' recreational fishing river. An ever growing number of visitors enjoy a diversity of water sports such as canoeing, boating and swimming in various reaches of the river system and delight in camping and picnicking in our local conservation areas and parks each year. Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding along the extensive network of interconnecting trails attract increasing numbers of vacationers to the watershed.

Seasonal cultural events attract thousands of visitors each year. The many historical sites, buildings, and museums fascinate young and old alike. Growing numbers of painters, photographers, naturalists, and others are drawn to the valley to find renewed inspiration and to enjoy the tranquillity and peace the river offers. Watershed visitors are attracted by an aggressive tourism and accommodation industry that markets quality watershed experiences.

Coordinated by the Grand River Conservation Authority, the Grand Strategy continues to evolve through the active participation of an ever growing number of stakeholders. Community-driven actions are prominent. Landowners are well informed and play a primary stewardship role in managing and conserving resources on private lands. The Grand River Forum provides opportunities for groups, individuals, landowners, and agencies to exchange information, discuss concerns and issues, evaluate actions, celebrate successes, confirm or set new watershed goals, pool limited resources, and determine priorities for individual and shared actions. An annual "State of the Watershed" report is prepared in conjunction with this event. As a report card on watershed health, the Grand River has improved its marks every year.

We are proud of our river and its tributaries. The commitments to action instilled in The Grand Strategy bestow a special legacy to present and future generations who live, work, play and invest in the Grand River valley"