River Watch: Profiling Two River Stewards
Who are the Riverwatchers?
Ottawa Riverkeeper is part of the Waterkeeper international program and Meredith Brown is our river’s spokesperson, or “Riverkeeper.” But who are our Riverwatchers? This month’s column introduces us to two Pontiac, Quebec-based Watchers.
Norway Bay Riverwatcher
Q: What is your personal connection to the Ottawa River? Do you live beside it/own a cottage beside it/grew up investigating its banks and paddling its flow?
A: My wife and I own a four-season cottage at Norway Bay in the town of Bristol, Québec. Norway Bay is a cottage community situated approx. 50 km west of Gatineau.
Q: Why did you become a Riverwatcher?
A: I became involved in River Watch program during the summer of 2006. The fish kill that occurred that summer brought on a sobering realization that this majestic river in our backyard is really a fragile ecosystem that needs protection. Like many others, I had been using the river for recreational activities, canoeing, swimming, enjoying its beauty and also taking it for granted, assuming that it would always be there for our enjoyment. I decided that it was time for me to give something back. Joining the Watch Program was one way to accomplish this.
Q: What stretch of river are you “responsible” for watching?
A: I’m responsible for the Norway Bay area which stretches approximately 4 km from the western part of the bay at Pine Lodge to the eastern end where Pontiac Station begins.
Q: What, in your estimation, is the biggest challenge facing your stretch of river in this coming season of spring/summer 2008?
A: The amount of snow we received the winter may have some short term negative effects on the river. But the main issues remain; water quality, increased motorboat traffic, and runoff from local farms.
Q: What is your role in the community? That is, how can people become involved with being true guardians of our Ottawa River?
A: People should visit the Ottawa Riverkeeper web site on a regular basis. They are encouraged to report any pollution violations they see. People can also help by making sure their motor boats aren’t polluting the river. We encourage canoeing and sailing.
Those using marine engines are encouraged to upgrade their older 2-stroke engines to 4-stroke. This will help reduce both air and water pollution.
*Q: Is there a reporting mechanism whereby you inform the community about the Riverkeeper and River Watch program? And, are there annual events which the public can become involved? (I’m thinking of a river cleanup day, a paddle day and so on…)*
A: Yes, reporting can be done by email or via telephone. Contact information is available from the Riverkeeper web site. We participate in community association events to help spread awareness.
Fort William River Watcher
Q: What is your personal connection to the Ottawa River?
A: I grew up in Petawawa and could see the “mighty Ottawa” from my backyard; our family has enjoyed our cottage at Fort William and I live in Ottawa.
Q: Why did you become a Riverwatcher?
A: Before becoming a Riverwatcher, I worked to bring some issues of concern on our stretch of the river to the forefront. When Meredith spoke to our cottagers and mentioned the program, I was one of five keen and enthusiastic cottagers who started our Fort William Riverwatchers’ group, galvanizing our individual efforts to tackle these issues in a positive way.
Q: What stretch of river are you “responsible” for watching?
A: Fort William to Oiseau Rock, Quebec.
Q: What, in your estimation, is the biggest challenge facing your stretch of river in this coming season of spring/summer 2008?
A: We will continue to monitor and learn about the weighty and complex challenges posed by Chalk River (above Oiseau Rock) and the unexploded ordnance beach cleanups at CFB Petawawa. In our cottage country, our group will continue to work on educating cottagers about shoreline ecosystems. We aim to increase awareness of the rules concerning septic systems, initiate a program to promote or sell eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products and finally, to celebrate our river as a cottage community.
Q: What is your role in the community? That is, how can people become involved with being true guardians of our Ottawa River?
A: I consider my job to be a steward of the river. I monitor my small stretch, act as a conduit for information and concerns from our cottagers to the Riverkeeper, and work with the local council to keep water quality a priority.
I want to add that I’ve been surprised how I have been able to effect change: people should become involved in river-related issues that they are passionate about. This quote by Margaret Mead, the American anthropologist says it all: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizen can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
p.Q: Is there a reporting mechanism whereby you inform the community about the Riverkeeper and River Watch program? And, are there annual events which the public can become involved?
A: Yes, our cottage association publishes an annual newsletter and holds a meeting every July. Last year, we had our first community paddle on Canadian Rivers Day leaving historic Fort William, a former Hudson’s Bay Company post and our first “river” photo contest in August. We plan to make these annual events.
Contacts
Want to get involved? Check the Ottawa Riverkeeper website at www.ottawariverkeeper.ca and watch for a variety of activities throughout the year. And, consider becoming a Riverwatcher. Contact Dan Lussier, Norway Bay Riverwatcher at djl48@videotron.ca, Joann McCann, Fort William Riverwatcher at jpmccann@rogers.com, and Meredith Brown, Ottawa Riverkeeper at keeper@ottawariverkeeper.ca.
Katharine Fletcher is a freelance writer who telecommutes from Spiritwood Farm, north of Quyon, Quebec.
Print this page - Email this page