Ottawa RiverApproximately 1130 km long, the Ottawa River forms much of the boundary between Ontario and Quebec. The water basin area is 146,300 km2, with approximately 65 per cent in Quebec and 35 per cent in Ontario. This division does not imply that each province has a corresponding degree of control or ownership of the watershed’s waters.

Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board

In 1983, Canada, Quebec, and Ontario concluded an agreement respecting the Ottawa River Basin Regulation. Under its terms, a board was constituted to plan and recommend regulation criteria for the 13 principal reservoirs of the basin, taking into account flood protection, hydroelectric power production, and other interests. Supported by a Regulating Committee and a Secretariat, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board endeavours to ensure that the integrated management of the reservoirs provides protection against flooding along the Ottawa River and its tributaries and along its channels in the Montreal region.

For more information see the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website

For a review of the regulations and legislation related to the management of the Ottawa River see the Ottawa River Keepers website.