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It takes a watershed to save a river. That’s why our River Watch Program is critical to protecting the Ottawa River and its tributaries. Through our River Watch Program, we work with volunteer riverwatchers – both groups and individuals – up and down the Ottawa River, as well as on tributaries such as the Mississippi and Gatineau Rivers. These dedicated people share their knowledge and ...
The summer has been hot and dry but great for swimming! The Waterkeeper Swim Guide has been widely used across North America and Jessica Jaja, Ottawa Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide Coordinator, has added over 150 beaches in the Ottawa River Watershed to the guide and followed water quality results all summer. Soon you will hear the scoop on Ottawa River beaches; how often are they closed and ...
Xeneca Power Development has presented their updated plan on the Big Eddy Project, a proposed hydroelectric generating station on the Petawawa River. Riverkeeper attended the public information session and after learning more details about the proposal, we are still not in favour of damming one of the last free flowing tributaries of the Ottawa River.
Documents leaked this week indicate that the federal government is planning to change the Federal Fisheries Act. These changes will weaken our ability to protect the Ottawa River watershed. Here are some important points . . .
On February 22nd the City of Ottawa’s Water and Wastewater Operating Budgets will go before City Council. The budgets include rate increases to the water and sewer bill, and there is opposition to them. The infrastructure improvements outlined in the budgets are important to your health as well as the health of our local rivers and streams. Please contact your city councillor. Ask them to ...
Should Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson use some of the federal light rapid transit funds to improve sewage infrastructure? For Ottawa citizens it’s hard to decide. While most of us strongly support a sewage-free river, we also understand the environmental, economic and practical necessity of building an LRT. But before choosing sides, here is Ottawa Riverkeeper’s take on the debate . . .
It’s no surprise that escalating environmental concerns are prompting a growing need for sustainable solutions. There is a strong public voice of support for urgent action, strengthened environmental regulations and sustainable decision making. So why is our federal government carrying out a methodical and relentless plan to deregulate and defund Canada’s environmental programs? It’s a ...
Ottawa Riverkeeper is sad to learn that Algonquin Elder William Commanda, known by the honourary title of “grandfather,” passed away in his home on Wednesday. He was 97. Grandfather Commanda was a leader, teacher and dear friend. He was a man of inspiration who worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between cultures. He believed that respect, justice and harmony could be achieved between ...
Do you know where your tap water comes from? How much of it there is? How often it is tested or how easily it could become contaminated? To many people, these questions are of little consequence – provided, of course, that when they turn on their taps, the water keeps flowing and when they drink their water, they don’t get sick. In light of the recent ban on all outdoor water use ...
Ottawa Riverkeeper, Friends of the Gatineau River and Citizens for the Protection of the Gatineau River have written a joint position paper on the proposed septage treatment facility in La Pêche, QC, to inform the public of our take on the issue, and to put forth recommendations to the decision-makers involved in this project that will help to ensure that the waters of the Gatineau River remain swimmable, drinkable and fishable for future generations.