Quinte Conservation

We are a local watershed based not-for-profit environmental protection agency. Our services are focused on protecting people and property from the dangers of natural hazards. One of our main roles is to provide flood forecasting and low water information to municipalities and residents within our jurisdiction. Our natural boundaries include the drainage basins of the Moira, Napanee, and Salmon Rivers and all of Prince Edward County.

Our core programs and services include flood and low water forecasting and warning, dam operations, permits, planning and regulations, and drinking water source protection. Through these core programs and services, we make sure that the region’s natural resources are being protected, restored, and maintained and that we are contributing to a healthy environment that meets the physical, emotional, and economic needs of residents and municipal leaders within our watershed.

We are one of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities and a member of Conservation Ontario. We operate under the Conservation Authorities Act and are governed by our municipalities and the provincial government.

Company History

Quinte Conservation is one of Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities formed under the Conservation Authorities Act of 1946. Due to years of mismanagement of Ontario’s natural resources, concerned groups and agencies prompted the government to take action and to work towards repairing and preserving our natural environments. Municipalities were the driving force behind establishing an authority for their region.

The Moira River Conservation Authority and the Napanee Region Conservation Authority were both established in 1947. Prince Edward Region Conservation Authority soon followed and was formed in 1965.

Due to extensive budget cuts, the three authorities amalgamated in 1996 and formed Quinte Conservation.

Company Facts

We have a team of expert staff who manage the watershed’s natural resources, while delivering environmental based programs and services to municipalities and residents. Our programs are driven by our core mandate of protecting people and properties from the dangers of natural hazards.

Our Water Resources team monitors watershed conditions for early prediction of the potential for flooding. In addition, they participate in a variety of other activities including, dam operations, climate change and stormwater initiatives, water monitoring, and landowner stewardship programming.

Our Planning and Regulations team works with homeowners, municipal staff, and developers to ensure that any development around water and hazardous lands aligns with the Ontario Conservation Authorities Act.

Our Source Water Protection team helps to protect municipal drinking water sources from contamination through government policies and regulations. Learn more about Source Protection through the Quinte Drinking Water Source Protection website.

Our Lands team helps to preserve and protect our many properties throughout the watershed, including sustainability efforts related to forest management, continuous maintenance and management of our public green spaces, working with partner agencies to perform restoration initiatives, and the development of Conservation Area management plans.

Our Corporate Services team encompasses a diverse range of functions, including GIS, communications, outreach, stewardship, finance, and administration. Staff help drive strategic initiatives and strengthen the connection between the community and conservation efforts.