In late 2001, the Niagara Region, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), and Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE), consulted to consider ways to more effectively manage Niagara's water resources. All parties agreed that in order to properly protect the area's water, a more integrated approach would be required that took into consideration all jurisdictional levels. To this end, the three principals commissioned a study in August 2002 to develop Niagara's Water Quality Protection Strategy (NWQPS). The consortium of MacViro Consultants Inc., CH2M HILL Canada Limited, and Philips Engineering Ltd., along with eight specialist firms, including Lura Consulting which completed the community engagement component, worked together with area stakeholders to produce the strategy in 14 months; releasing it, October 2003. The effort included intensive consultation with active stakeholder groups that were organized by specific theme areas. The strategy involved an intensive data gathering exercise including over 1000 data items, comprising reports, maps, databases, and general information from 14 municipalities and over 30 formal agencies and watershed groups. Based on this information, an assessment was conducted of the sensitivity and value of the area's water resources, as well as their potential stressors (i.e. sources of contamination, flooding, water taking, etc.). The understanding gained from the study area characterization was subsequently used as the underpinning to develop the management strategy. This phase of the work involved significant consultation with area stakeholders to develop a prioritized action plan, comprised of over 400 area-wide and locally-specific activities organized into 11 focussed Action Programs, to address core issues related to water quantity and quality management. The NWQPS recommends that an integrated structure (including representation from the Niagara Region, NPCA, local municipalities, and agencies) be established to manage certain activities directly under its control. In addition, this integrated structure, termed the NWQPS Implementation Team, is also to inform and be informed through involvement in numerous indirect activities, which would be carried out by other organizations. This integrated process will ensure that water resources are protected and managed in an effective manner. Includes 11 references, figures.