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Carp River Floodplain Development

Floodplains provide a valuable service to humans in protecting against floods. Natural stream channels and flood plains are capable of adapting and responding to floods. Their higher level of “ecosystem resilience” compared to artificial channels, ponds and hardened shorelines means they will continue to provide flood control services, even under likely climate change scenarios that involve higher frequency of extreme precipitation events. Natural floodplains provide greater aesthetic values and recreational opportunities and proximity to healthy natural systems increases property values. Natural floodplain vegetation purifies the river by absorbing nutrients and breaking down wastes resulting from human activities in the watershed. Their higher resilience means that nutrient absorption and waste assimilation services are maintained even under droughts, which also are predicted to increase under climate change scenarios. Natural floodplains represent a key part of the habitat for the roughly forty fish species that are found in the Carp River.

Kanata West Development
Photo Dan Brunton Carp River Development by Palladium Complex (1991)

Ottawa Riverkeeper has been reviewing the plans to both develop and restore the Carp River. Riverkeeper has concerns about the precedent that will be created by allowing development in the floodplain in exchange for money to help pay for “restoration”.

To follow this story and stay informed on the status of the project, the latest Riverkeeper’s action is posted below:

Or find information through GREENSPACE ALLIANCE

If you have information that is relevant to this issue that you would like to see posted here, please contact us.


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