Accessibility and Access Keys [0]
Ottawa Riverkeeper, in cooperation with the National Capital Commission (NCC), is pleased to announce the formation of an advisory committee for the Ottawa River Summit, a multi-community initiative to encourage collaboration on issues and projects that affect the health and future of the Ottawa River.
This first Ottawa River Summit, scheduled to take place on August 27, 2010, will be directed by a diverse group of distinguished community leaders, including Alain Riel (Ville de Gatineau), Peter Hume (City of Ottawa), Edward McCann (Mayor of Pontiac), François Lapointe (Director, Capital Planning, NCC), Chief Gilbert Whiteduck (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg), Jeanne Charlebois (Mayor of Hawkesbury), Chief Kirby Whiteduck (Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn), Nicole Desroches (CREDDO), Will Murray (human rights lawyer) and Carrie Wallace (Director, Ottawa Riverkeeper).
“This is an exciting and groundbreaking initiative that we hope all municipalities in the watershed will be compelled to participate in. We all share the same river, and its future will depend on our ability to work cooperatively in the years to come,” said Meredith Brown, Ottawa Riverkeeper.
Ottawa Riverkeeper is accepting registrations from area municipalities interested in participating in the one-day initiative. The event is also receiving strong support from provincial and federal government officials who recognize the need for increased information sharing and collaboration between the multiple jurisdictions with interest in the river.
“It is very important that all interested parties take part in the first Ottawa River Summit. Sharing information and knowledge will make it possible to better protect and sustain this incredible natural resource for future generations,” said Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer of the NCC.
The Ottawa River Summit is funded in part by the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The initiative is endorsed by the Tripartite National Capital Planning Committee and the National Capital Region Mayors Forum. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is also a proud supporter of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s leadership role in this initiative.