In 1909, the Boundary Waters Treaty set principles to guide Canada and the United States in managing the waters they share on matters concerning pollution and levels and flows. The Treaty also created an independent International Joint Commission to help carry out its provisions.



In 2009, Canada and the United States commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Treaty with a ceremony on the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls. The Mayors from the Niagara region, with the support of the Canadian Consulate in Buffalo and the American Consulate in Toronto, formed a local committee, Chaired by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter and Member of Parliament Rick Dykstra, to organize a series of activities for Boundary Waters Week in June 2009.



By following the principles of the Treaty, the two countries have shown that water can bring about more cooperation than conflict.