Ontario Rivers Alliance

Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is a not-for-profit grassroots organization with a mission to protect, conserve and restore riverine ecosystems, and to ensure that development affecting Ontario rivers is environmentally and socially sustainable. From 2011 to 2016, ORA led upwards of 40 organizations in an intensive campaign to address 26 proposed hydroelectric projects destined for Ontario rivers. Through intense networking, strategizing, engagement and presenting credible arguments, our collective managed to stop 24 environmentally harmful hydroelectric projects from being built on 12 Ontario rivers. Our organisation is also proactive in reaching out to dam owners to present compelling arguments supporting the removal of old and unsafe dams that no longer serve a useful purpose. We have partnered with Conservation Authorities, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, municipalities, other organizations and private landowners to help motivate, fund and propel dam removal projects forward. To date, we have successfully advocated for and/or partnered in eight dam removal projects. ORA advocates for best practices and comments frequently at a provincial and federal level on policy and legislation with a focus on strengthening and improving protection for riverine ecosystems. We address water-related development proposals, Environmental Registry postings, Environmental Reports, permitting and approvals. To learn more about our work or to find out how you can help, please visit our website.