Bear Brook Watershed

What Is a Watershed Study?

A watershed study is a science-based plan that looks at how land, water, and communities interact within a watershed. It combines technical research with local knowledge to set shared priorities for protection, restoration, and sustainable management.

The Bear Brook Watershed Study will:

  • Assess current watershed conditions
  • Examine how future land use and climate change may affect natural systems
  • Recommend actions and policies to keep the watershed healthy for future generations

Bear Brook Watershed Study

South Nation Conservation (SNC), together with municipalities, community partners, and local stakeholders, is leading a multi-year study to plan for the future of the Bear Brook Watershed.

The watershed faces new challenges: rapid urban expansion, agricultural intensification, and climate variability. Recognizing these pressures, the City of Ottawa retained SNC to complete a comprehensive watershed study to guide sustainable management and protection of this important area.

Healthy watersheds support biodiversity, reduce flooding and erosion risks, provide clean water, and help communities adapt to climate change. The Bear Brook Watershed — covering 488 km² of urban areas, farmland, forests, and wetlands in Ottawa and Prescott-Russell — faces growing pressures from development, agriculture, and a changing climate. This study will identify actions to protect watershed health while supporting sustainable growth.

SNC acknowledges that the Bear Brook Watershed is located within the unceded traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe People, and is also part of the traditional hunting and fishing territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, including the Mohawk Nation. In the spirit of shared stewardship and reconciliation, SNC is committed to working alongside Indigenous partners and local communities to safeguard the land and water for current and future generations.

Study Deliverables

The study is being completed between 2023 and 2027:

Watershed Characterization (2023–2025)This link opens in a new window
Flood Mitigation Class Environmental Assessment (2025 – 2027)
Scenario Planning & Risk Assessment (2024–2026)
  • Examines future land use and climate change scenarios to understand risks and opportunities.
  • Includes a Class Environmental Assessment for flood mitigation options.
    - Read the Notice of Intent
Implementation Planning – Watershed Plan (2025–2027)
  • Develops recommendations, policies, and monitoring frameworks to guide sustainable watershed management.

Engagement Opportunities

Community input is an important part of the study. Residents, landowners, and partners are invited to participate at key milestones.

Provide Feedback:
  • Review study materials and reports
  • Provide feedback through an Online Feedback Form (November 2025 - January 2026)
  • Attend public information centres to learn more and provide input
Public Information Centres:

Characterization Report (Completed)
November 13, 2025 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Bear Brook Community Centre, Ottawa
- Public Information Centre Summary
- Access the Bear Brook Watershed Information Boards

➡️ Class Environmental Assessment: Problem Definition and Flood Mitigation Options (Current)
June 2, 2026 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Navan Memorial Centre (1295 Colonial Road, Ottawa, ON K4B 1N1)

This study will identify long-term flood mitigation options and inform the watershed's implementation strategy. 
Residents are invited to attend this Public Information Centre to learn more and provide feedback.
Input provided will support further analysis to be presented at a future public meeting.

Next Steps

Feedback received will help shape recommendations for watershed stewardship, monitoring, and restoration. A summary of public input will be made available.

Access the Bear Brook Watershed Study Story Map in a separate windowThis link opens in a new window