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When the accidental spill of 960,000 cubic metres of raw sewage into the Ottawa River in 2006 became public last month, something interesting happened. For the first time in years, people throughout the area began talking about the river, about what goes into it and what can be done to improve its water quality.
Meredith Brown, executive director of the Ottawa Riverkeeper, believes that the more people know about what gets dumped into the river, the more likely they are to press for change.
She is right. As part of a report to be released in the fall, she is recommending that every municipality along the river report every time raw sewage is dumped into the river. Such action would continue to keep the river at the forefront of public debate. And that is a good start in improving water quality in the historic river.
The massive 2006 dump of raw sewage into the river here was accidental, but it underscored the fact that smaller amounts of raw sewage are routinely dumped into the river, mainly because of outdated and inadequate municipal sewage treatment systems.
The river touches many people, including swimmers, boaters, bird watchers, cottagers, walkers and residents all along its route. But, because it forms part of the border between Ontario and Quebec, and touches so many municipalities, including the federal government and the National Capital Commission, its overall health becomes no one’s problem.
That has to change.
The Ottawa River is beloved by many who live near it, but its significance goes far beyond its banks. Known to some as the original Trans-Canada Highway, it was a pivotal route in the exploration and early settlement of Canada.
Federal Environment Minister John Baird and Ontario Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield recently signed their names to a nomination from a group based in the Upper Ottawa Valley seeking to have the river designated a heritage waterway. The designation would largely be symbolic, but it would further raise public awareness about why the river needs to be better protected than it is now.
The federal government has said it will use infrastructure fund money to upgrade sewage treatment plants throughout Canada, including municipalities along the river. This is a good start in protection the Ottawa River and other waterways.
And, more recently, Mr. Baird has said the federal government would contribute up to $20 million to help stop raw sewage from being dumped into the Ottawa River during heavy rainfall.
These are encouraging signs the Ottawa River has champions at several government levels. But its biggest champions are the people who live on it, watch it, and use it. Making sure the public is notified every time raw sewage is dumped into the river will insure the river’s champions have the information they need to fight for its future.