PRESS RELEASE: Ottawa Riverkeeper Says “Bridge Shouldn’t Touch Kettle Island”

Ottawa, ON – January 19, 2009 (http://www.ottawariverkeeper.ca) – Meredith Brown, Ottawa’s Riverkeeper has released a two page summary detailing her “point of view” on the selection of the Kettle Island corridor as the proposed site for a new interprovincial bridge crossing. In addition, the Ottawa Riverkeeper has listed several steps to limit the harm on surrounding ecosystems.

“The recommendation of the Kettle Island corridor as a new bridge site is disappointing to say the least”, says Meredith Brown, “however, I see this as an opportunity to advocate for solutions to minimize the impacts of a bridge on our river and work collaboratively towards developing a protection strategy for the ecologically significant Ottawa-Gatineau Alluvial Islands”.

Amongst her recommendations for the project, the Ottawa Riverkeeper advocates “if possible, the bridge should not touch down on Kettle Island” and “the bridge should not pass directly over Kettle Island”. In addition, “a detailed plan for storm water management needs to be considered, and there should be a comprehensive environmental assessment conducted on the entire island and surrounding Ottawa River ecosystems”, says Brown.

Read the Riverkeeper’s full “Point of View” here.

About Ottawa Riverkeeper:
Ottawa Riverkeeper brings people together to protect and promote the ecological health and diversity of the Ottawa River system. Expert and independent, our organization advocates for responsible decision-making; advances public education and participation; and ensures compliance with protective regulations throughout the watershed.
http://www.ottawariverkeeper.ca

For more information, please contact:
Natasha Wilson
Communications Coordinator
Ottawa Riverkeeper
613-321-1120
communications@ottawariverkeeper.ca

Ottawa Riverkeeper / Sentinelle Outaouais

PRESS RELEASE: Ottawa Riverkeeper Says “Bridge Shouldn’t Touch Kettle Island”