Public Safety and Water Related Hazards
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A key goal of the Ministry of Natural Resources is protecting human life, property and natural resources. Ontario’s citizens quality of life is enhanced through the protection from natural and human caused hazards.
MNR has the lead responsibility under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for protecting life, public health, property and natural resources from seven hazards:
- Floods
- Drought/Low Water
- Dam Failures
- Erosion
- Soil and Bedrock Instability
- Forest Fires
- Crude Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production and Hydrocarbon Underground Storage and Salt Solution Mining
Great lakes and Water Policy section has the responsibility for managing public and environmental safety for the first five (water-related) hazards listed above. This is accomplished through policies and programs such as restricting development in flood prone areas and a safe management of dams program to protect the public from these hazards.
The Surface Water Monitoring Center continually monitors watershed conditions and issues Flood Advisories and Low Water Notifications. The Ministry also partners with other provincial ministries, the federal government, municipalities and conservation authorities to deliver emergency management programs.
Related Links
- Provincial Policy Statement
- The Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC)
- Emergency Response
- Our Approach
- MNR Emergency Management Program
