Niagara River Treaty

☆ Save On Wikipedia ↗

The Niagara River Treaty is an international treaty between Canada and the United States, signed on 27 February 1950. It governs the use and diversion of water from the Niagara River and Niagara Falls for scenic preservation and hydroelectric power generation.[1][2]

Background

The treaty was negotiated to balance the preservation of the scenic beauty of Niagara Falls with increasing demands for hydroelectric power on both sides of the Canada–United States border. It established rules governing the diversion of water from the Niagara River and set minimum flow requirements over the falls to maintain their appearance.[3]

Provisions

Among its principal provisions, the treaty:

  • Allocates water available for hydroelectric generation between Canada and the United States.
  • Requires minimum flows over Niagara Falls during daytime and tourist seasons to preserve scenic conditions.
  • Authorizes greater diversion of water during nighttime and off-season periods for power generation.
  • Provides for oversight and monitoring by the International Joint Commission.[4]

See also

References

  1. "Niagara River FAQ". International Joint Commission. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  2. "Canada–United States Niagara River Treaty". Government of Canada. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  3. "Niagara River FAQ". International Joint Commission. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  4. "Canada–United States Niagara River Treaty". Government of Canada. Retrieved 27 June 2026.