PETAWAWA — Community Futures Development Corporation serving Renfrew County hosted a meeting to celebrate and discuss the designation of the Ottawa River as a Canadian Heritage River.
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada’s national river conservation program. It promotes, protects and enhances Canada’s river heritage and ensures that our leading rivers are managed in a sustainable manner.
The Governments of Canada and Ontario have designated the Ottawa River in Ontario the 39th Canadian Heritage River to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System.
The plaque unveiling ceremony occurred at Petawawa Point Park Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 4.
Becoming a Canadian Heritage River requires two formal steps – nomination and designation. Designation as a heritage river is not prescriptive and does not involve any legislation or restrictions. Land ownership and management does not change with the designation of a river. The Ottawa River was accepted on the basis of the river’s outstanding heritage values.
The meeting was attended by representatives from communities along the Ottawa River from the City of Temiskaming Shores in the north to the United Counties of Prescott/Russell in the east, a stretch covering 590 kilometres. Committee members, waterway communities, partners and sponsoring agencies were recognized for their efforts in support of designation. Attendees also learned about other designated rivers and participated in a facilitated session to explore waterway partnership opportunities.
It was also announced at the event that the County of Renfrew has been designated as the River Manager, as per the County’s letter of intent to be designated as the River Manager.
“This is an excellent opportunity to promote the heritage and culture of the great Ottawa River for the benefit of all the communities, residents and visitors along the River,” stated Jennifer Murphy, Warden of Renfrew County.
Larry Graham, chair of the Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee, added, “Today’s event, recognizing the Ottawa as a Canadian Heritage River, has been over 15 years in the making. This designation will provide the opportunity for communities both large and small, from Hawkesbury to Haileybury, to celebrate the Ottawa’s rich cultural heritage and its world class recreational activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that engaged in bringing this project to where we are today and especially those who contributed on a volunteer basis.
“And finally, we must honour our Founding Chair, Len Hopkins who passed in 2007 as well as our Honourary Chair and spiritual leader of the Algonquin, Elder William Commanda, who passed in 2011, for their passionate involvement to promote the legacy of this great Canadian Heritage River… and quite arguably, it’s Greatest.”
“I’m delighted that through this plaque, we are commemorating the designation of the Ottawa River as a Canadian Heritage River,” said MP Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “For Indigenous Peoples, this river was an historic trade and transportation route, and today it continues to be important to communities along its shores. Canada 150 provides the perfect occasion to recognize and celebrate the importance of the Ottawa River and its pivotal role in building Canada — and I applaud all the organizations involved that put so much effort in making this happen. ”
Natural Resources and Forestry Minister Kathryn McGarry stated, “The Ottawa River has been a vital channel for Ontario’s economic, social and cultural development throughout our history. Many people have come together to make this historic designation possible, which has created ecosystem and historical recognition that will leave a legacy for generations to come.”
Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly added, “The 150th anniversary of Confederation provides Canadians with the wonderful opportunity to become active in their communities and celebrate the rich history of their rivers. Communities across the country will take part in events that highlight the importance of preserving our precious natural resources for future generations.”
It is with pleasure, that the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) along with other waterway partners hosted the Ottawa River Heritage Designation meeting to celebrate and recognize the efforts of the committee members, communities, partners and agencies.
The CFDC serving Renfrew County would like to thank Ontario Power Generation, Algonquin College, the County of Renfrew, the Town of Petawawa and the CHRS Canada 150 Fund for their logistical and financial support of this meeting. The enthusiasm and interest shown by attendees will be reflected in a number of Canada 150 – Ottawa River celebrations. For more information visit the Ottawa River Heritage Designation website at www.ottawariver.org
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is Canada’s national river conservation program. Established in 1984, the CHRS gives national recognition to Canada’s outstanding rivers and encourages their long-term management to conserve their natural, cultural and recreational values for the benefit and enjoyment of Canadians, now and in the future.
