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A highly inquisitive group of Ottawa Riverwatchers from as far east as L’Orignal, Ontario to Bristol, Quebec met at a workshop held in the Galetta Community Centre in July to discuss common issues with the Ottawa Riverkeeper.
The Riverwatch workshop included the Outreach Director, Delphine Hasle, the Ottawa Riverkeeper, Meredith Brown, and Ottawa riverwatchers and members of the Bonnechere River Watershed Project. Issues on water quality seemed eerily the same whether the project was in L’Orignal or in the Bonnechere River. Development of waterfront lots and issues concerning the importance of proper sewage treatment and stormwater overflow were on everyone’s list. There was both reciprocal dialogue and animated discussion as the riverwatchers posed their issues about their own areas.
Meredith commented that she had mounting interest in creating more alignment and communication between the municipalities along the river; and between the municipalities and the Ottawa Riverkeeper. The riverwatchers are an integral part of this communication. It would be a best-case scenario if a riverwatcher is able to get involved as early as possible in municipal issues that involve the river and is knowledgeable about both the river and the municipality. This would create a very positive interface. The importance of the riverwatchers to the Ottawa Riverkeeper Organization is crucial – and their eyes and ears are pivotal in getting early input from the Riverkeeper.
Many riverwatchers indicated they would appreciate increasing the interface between all of the group along the river. The benefits of this would include creating informal forums to discuss problems and possible solutions and to join together for river clean-ups and fundraising efforts.
Meredith spoke to the group at the end of the workshop and indicated there were several projects involving the River looming on the horizon. Local municipalities are discussing hosting an Ottawa River Summit – tentatively to be held in the spring of 2010. Currently the vision is to encompass as many of the municipalities along the river as possible, however, it could also include municipalities, such as Renfrew, that are tied to the Ottawa River via a tributary. She also spoke of the current discussions concerning the creation of dams on both the Petawawa River and the Bonnechere River. She commented on the recent proposal discussions of diverting 3 northern rivers that flow into James Bay to flow into the Ottawa River.
The morning flew by and those that attended were still discussing issues during the lunch. New friends were made, and new ideas were aired. The second annual riverwatcher workshop will be held in the late winter in the hope that everyone will be able to attend!