History

• 1985 - The International Joint Commission recommended that the Cornwall/Massena section of the St. Lawrence River be designated as one of 43 Areas of Concern in the Great Lakes Basin.

•  1990 - To address the priorities of the Remedial Action Plan for the Cornwall Area of Concern, the Technical Sub-Committee of the Public Advisory Committee of the Cornwall St. Lawrence Remedial Action Plan developed an idea to establish a world class, trans-disciplinary, trans-jurisdiction research institute in Cornwall.

• At the same time, a community group was developing a plan to expand post-secondary education opportunities in Cornwall.

• These groups came together to establish a River Institute for research and education in Cornwall.

• 1993 - The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences was established as a unique partnership of community, government, industry, and the Mohawks of Akwesasne.

• 1994 - The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences was incorporated as a non-profit, charitable organization.

For an in-depth history of the River Institute

Click to download the Case Study