Review of the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Orders of Approval

It has been 50 years since a comprehensive assessment was performed of water levels and flows regulation in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. In April 1999, the IJC informed the two governments that it was becoming increasingly urgent to review the regulation of Lake Ontario outflows in view of dissatisfaction, on the part of some interests, with the working of that system and in light of environmental concerns and climate change issues.

In December 2000, the IJC established the International Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Study Board to undertake the studies needed to evaluate options for regulating levels and flows in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. The five-year, US $20 million study was released on May 31, 2006.

The International Joint Commission is now considering the future of water levels and flows regulation for the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. On May 31, the Commission started a 60-day public comment period on the Study, which has now been extended until September 15. The Commission expects to hold public hearings on its draft decision before it makes its final decision.

Use the sidebar to learn more about the Orders, the review, and how you can participate.

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