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Mayor Bob Sweet said the Ottawa River receiving a heritage designation will not cause problems for a private firm planning to build two hydro generating plants on the Petawawa River. Responding to concerns outlined by Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant, the mayor said there is no legislative power or body that can restrict development on the river.
“It recognizes the historic value that the Ottawa River played in the opening up of Canada,” Mayor Sweet said after council’s regular meeting as he answered reporters questions about the designation issue. “I see it as a very viable, important thing to do.”
In a written statement released by her office late last week, MP Gallant said she supports federal Environment Minister John Baird signing the nomination papers in principle, adding that some concerns must be addressed before designation is made official in 2009.
MP Gallant wants assurances that designation will not stop future economic development projects, including hydro dams on the Ottawa and its tributaries.
Mayor Sweet said he sees no linkage between the Petawawa River and the status of the Ottawa.
“We did try to communicate with the member,” he said alluding to efforts of a delegation including himself, Renfrew County Warden Janice Visneskie and the Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee to meet with MP Gallant to review concerns.
He said in the five years since the project was launched, the volunteer committee has met with stakeholders, municipal officials, citizens and other members of parliament from Mattawa to Hawkesbury. He said there has been nothing but overwhelming support for the initiative.
“This was a Herculean task by this committee,” he said.
The mayor added he hopes the nomination will clear the minister’s desk and be forwarded to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board of Governors, who convenes its annual meeting in the Yukon Territory next month.
“It would be a shame if it was left as a door stop,” he concluded.
schase@thedailyobserver.ca
Article ID# 1017061