ABOUT US
Sharing the excitement of scientific discovery
River Institute is a non‐government organization established in 1994 as a unique community partnership among governments, educators, business and industry, and the Mohawks of Akwesasne.
With the St. Lawrence River as our natural laboratory, we have earned an international reputation for research excellence. Our scientific work contributes locally, nationally and internationally to the greater understanding of how large river ecosystems and their components function.
As a learning and discovery centre, we actively promote the value of scientific inquiry. Our education programs introduce thousands of students to the benefits of science and provide powerful role models for young people considering careers in science.
Our community programs help us connect with our neighbours and build a deeper local appreciation for the vital scientific, social, economic and spiritual importance of our river ecosystems.
Our Facilities
The River Institute is located next to the St. Lawrence River on the grounds of St. Lawrence College in Cornwall. Built in 2003, the 4500 sq. ft facility houses offices, laboratories, and a board room, plus a 2000 sq. ft outdoor shelter that is used as an outdoor classroom, field staging area, and multi-purpose gathering place. The River Institute maintains a nationally accredited testing laboratory through CALA; a Level II Biosafety laboratory licensed by the Public Health Agency of Canada; and is a certified member of the Canadian Association for Animal Care.
Accreditation
The River Institute laboratories are accredited by the Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation Inc. (CALA) for specific test as described on our scope of testing in accordance with the recognized International Standards ISO/EIC 17025:2017. To retain this accreditation, staff must complete regular proficiency tests and audits to demonstrate analytical and procedural competence for dealing with a wide variety of environmental samples for regulatory, research and monitoring purposes. For more information contact Louis Savard, Program Leader River Labs.
Annual Reports
2022: A Year in Review
The 2022 Annual Report shares our stories of inspiration, impact, and collaboration over the last year. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and supporters, the past year was one of significant achievement and growth for the River Institute. We invite you to explore this year’s annual report which provides highlights from the year and a look at what’s on the horizon through the themes of ‘informing conservation action,’ ‘learning together,’ making connections,’ and ‘ways of knowing.’ We hope that you are inspired by these stories and continue to follow us on our journey.
Partners and Sponsors
DONORS & SPONSORS
CIBC Wood Gundy
Cornwall Rotary Club
Cornwall Electric
Crabtree Fundation
Eastern Ontario Training Board
Echo Foundation
Enbridge Inc.
Job Zone
Ingredion Inc.
Greenfield Ethanol – Johnstown Plant
GFL Environmental Inc.
TD Friends of the Environment
Tom and Gail Kaneb Foundation
Maurice Price Foundation
Promoscience
Ontario Power Generation-Ottawa/St. Lawrence Plant Group
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Port of Johnstown
Sunrise Rotary Club of Cornwall
St. Lawrence College
St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corp.
St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp.
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighan Foundation
The Trottier Family Foundation
Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal
TransCanada Pipeline Ltd.
Telus
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry
Union Gas Ltd.
Uplands Charitable Foundation
WSP Canada Inc.
LOCAL PARTNERS
Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce
Cornwall Lunker Club
Cornwall Dive Club
Cornwall Public Library
City of Cornwall
Conseil des écoles publiques de l’est de l’Ontario
Conseil scolaire de district catholique de l’Est ontarien
Cooper Marsh Conservators Inc.
Eastern Ontario Health Unit
Eastern Ontario Health Unit
Eastern Ontario Water Resources Committee
Job Zone d’emploi, Cornwall
Laflèche Leblanc Soil Recycling
McDonald Duncan Law Office
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
Ottawa Stewardship Council
Parks of the St. Lawrence
Raisin Region Conservation Authority
Resource Stewardship Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Council
Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry Science Fair
Seaway News
Service Canada
Standard Freeholder
Stormont Yacht Club
South Nation Conservation Authority
St. Lawrence College
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
St. Lawrence River Restoration Council
Township of South Stormont
United Counties of Prescott-Russell
United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry
Upper Canada District School Board
REGIONAL, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS
Aquatarium
Blue Fish Canada
Bay of Quinte Restoration Council
Carleton University
Great Rivers Centre at Clarkson University
Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Environment Canada: Ontario Region and Quebec Region
International Joint Commission
Lower Trent Conservation Authority
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture / Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
International Joint Commission
Lower Trent Conservation Authority
Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture / Food and Rural Affairs
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
We are grateful to the organizations listed here for the vital financial support they provide. If your organization would like to support our work, please contact:
Program Leader, Administration and Fundraising
+1 613-936-6620 ext 222