Canadian Rivers Day – 5th Annual Celebration of Our River
Victoria Island to Petrie Island - Sunday, June 14, 2009
Join us and experience history in the making
VOYAGEUR CANOES – SOLD OUT JOIN US WITH YOUR OWN BOAT
DOWNLOAD THE RIVERS DAY PADDLE SCHEDULE
Over 300 paddlers are expected to take part in this experience. On Sunday June 14 2009, the participants will experience history in the making as our river is expected to receive the Federal designation as an official Canadian Heritage River.
June 14, 2009
For the fifth consecutive year, Ottawa Riverkeeper will be celebrate Canadian Rivers Day with a guided paddle on the Ottawa River (from Victoria Island to Petrie Island) as a way of bringing people and the river together. This year, the flotilla will include at least 12 Voyageur canoes, including the Ottawa River Brigade Canoe.
Special Guests:
- William Commanda, Algonquin elder from Kitigan Zibi Reserve, Quebec
- Ryan Hreljac and two of his youth ambassadors, Ryan’s Well Foundation
- Larry Graham, Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee
- Max Finkelstein, Writer and Adventurer
- Meredith Brown, Ottawa Riverkeeper
- Delegation of young environmentalists who will be attending the 6th Canadian River Heritage Conference in Ottawa
- And many more!
Celebrate Canadian Rivers Day in a unique and educational way. Bring your family and friends and paddle approximately 20 kilometers along the legendary Ottawa River. Hop in a voyageur canoe, or paddle your own boat.
We will provide coffee/tea, fruit and snacks. Please pack your own lunch and water. A booklet will be provided before the paddle. Be sure to check out important safety measures and loading instructions!
We will stop for lunch at Kettle Island, a Nature Conservancy of Canada property. Let’s do our best to make this a waste-free event! Please try to avoid bringing disposable materials such as water bottles and plastic bags.
A guided tour of Petrie Island will be offered by the Friends of Petrie for those interested.
Reception and Presentation
Following the guided paddle, guests are welcome to join delegates from the Canadian River Heritage Conference at the National Arts Centre for a multimedia presentation of “Wild Water, Wild Earth” by renowned conservationist Mark Angelo. A cocktail reception will follow. Please visit www.ticketmaster.ca to purchase tickets for the evening reception ($15 per person).
Registration
For more information please contact Delphine Hasle at 613-321-1120.
Sign up to:
- Reserve a seat in a Voyageur canoe ($10/person)
- Participate (recommended donation of $5/person – donations will be accepted on site)
- Reserve a seat for the shuttle (free of charge)
Walk-ins are also welcome but we cannot guarantee a spot in a voyageur canoe. Note the voyageur canoe seats have sold out in the past 2 years. Passengers, please bring life jackets and paddles if you have them, as we have limited extras. Each Voyageur canoe is fully equipped and meets coast-guard requirements.
Schedule
8:15 – Shuttle bus leaves from Petrie Island
8:30 to 9:45 – Registration/Safety check at Victoria Island
9:30 – Welcome words and safety review
10:00 – Loading at Victoria Island
10:30 – Departure
Lunch – Hour lunch at Kettle Island
15:00 – Flotilla arrives at Petrie Island
15:00 to 16:30 – Exhibit at Petrie Island and guided tour of Petrie Island with the Friends of Petrie Island
15:30 – First shuttle leaves from Petrie Island
16:30 – Last shuttle leaves from Petrie Island
19:00 – Experience the “World of Rivers” with Mark Angelo at the National Arts Centre
For more information, please contact:
Delphine Hasle 613-321-1120 outreach@ottawariverkeeper.ca
We’re looking for volunteers! To learn more about helping out with this event, please contact Laurel Rosene at tobeonwater@yahoo.com
Shuttle Bus Information
Shuttle buses from Petrie Island will be available to return drivers to Victoria Island at the end of the day. Departure is scheduled for 3:30PM and 4:30PM.
If you’re bringing your own boat, and you’d prefer to leave your car at Petrie Island for the day, here’s what we suggest: unload your canoe at Victoria Island, return to Petrie Island, pay $2.00 to park for the day, and take the 8:15AM shuttle bus back to Victoria Island. Please be advised that the by-law officers regularly check for parking permits, even on Sunday.
Petrie Island is accessed from Highway 174 (The Queensway) at Trim Road. If you are in downtown Ottawa, take Highway 417 east until “the split”. Keep left at the split onto 174, which is still a four-lane limited-access highway that leads into Orleans. The first traffic light you will encounter is at Trim Road, at which you should turn left.
Note: Poison Ivy is often found on Kettle Island and broken glass poses a risk to participants. Wandering the island is not permitted. For your safety, please bring appropriate water footwear if you choose to swim.
Our Supporters and Partners
- Energy Ottawa
- SADC Pontiac Community Futures
- CFDC/SADC with S. Temiskaming, Renfrew C. and Prescott – Russell
- Province of Ontario
- B.Goods
- Sobeys Kanata
- Aboriginal Experiences
- Friends of Petrie Island
- Nature Conservancy of Canada
- National Capital Commision
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- A Circle of All Nations
- National Capital Region YM/WMCA Canoe Camping Club
- Ottawa Police Services Marine Division
- Lacombr Toilets Rental
- Brebner Manufacturing and Repairs Inc.
- Bear Creek
- Christie Walther
- OWL Rafting
- Trailhead