To support understanding of the Phase 2 Expedited Review of Plan 2014 process, a series of eight fact sheets has been developed. Together, these fact sheets provide an overview of the Phase 2, explain the evaluation strategy and performance indicators, describe the roles of key participants and advisory groups, highlight Indigenous engagement and research activities, outline the Integrated Social, Economic and Environmental (ISEE) system, summarize the plan evaluation and ranking process, and showcase key accomplishments achieved to date.
For information on Phase of the Expedited Review process, the Phase 1 fact sheets can be viewed here.
Phase 2 Overview
Phase 2 of the Expedited Review examined the rules in Plan 2014 that are used to regulate Lake Ontario outflows.
This fact sheet was updated in 2026. You can read the previous version of the fact sheet on Phase 2 Overview fact sheet here.
Phase 2 used data and computer models to assess how changes to Plan 2014 would affect uses and interests, such as shoreline properties and infrastructure, Indigenous Communities, shipping, ecosystems, hydropower production, and recreation.
This fact sheet was updated in 2026. You can read the previous version Phase 2 Strategy fact sheet here.
Role of the Public Advisory Group
Public Advisory Group members provided the perspectives of users and interests that are directly affected by extreme water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Indigenous Engagement and Performance Indicator Research
Efforts to build relationships with Indigenous Communities and incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge continued in Phase 2 of the Expedited Review.
Performance indicators were used to measure how different water levels and flows would likely affect the various uses and interests.
Integrated Social, Economic and Environmental (ISEE) System
The ISEE System is a powerful framework that integrates models of the physical, social, economic and environmental aspects to provide high-resolution outcomes showing how different plan modifications would affect each of the uses and interests.
The Plan Evaluation and Ranking Framework provided consistent and transparent criteria for evaluating potential changes to Plan 2014.
The Expedited Review conducted a thorough analysis of Plan 2014 to seek reductions in flooding impacts. The study also produced modern tools for analyzing the impacts of extreme water levels and flows and engaged with the affected interests and Indigenous Communities.