February 25 2009

In this Issue

	Riverkeepers Point of View
	Public Rights at Risk: Amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act
	Heritage Hockey Success!
	Podcast: Lake Ontario Waterkeeper
	You Asked Us...
	Volunteer Spotlight: Emma Stinson
	More Stories of the Ottawa River

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Tournament of Champions

Congratulations to the "Unrestricted Free Agents", winners of the
2nd Annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Pond Hockey Tournament

Photograph by Peter Dudley

Riverkeepers Point of View

Radioactive Leaks at Chalk River Highlight Need for Transparency

Under the best of circumstances I am uncomfortable with the very idea of a nuclear reactor operating on the banks of the Ottawa River. But when that reactor is old and prone to leaks, I am particularly concerned. Even more alarming is the fact that these leaks are not reported to the public, in detail, in a timely manner.

Such was the case this past December when the Chalk River nuclear reactor (National Research Universal or NRU) operated by Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL) experienced leaks of radioactive water.  Read more...

Public Rights at Risk: Amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act

As some of you are aware, the Government of Canada has proposed worrisome amendments to the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA), under the 2009 Budget Implementation Act (Bill C-10). The NWPA is an important piece of federal legislation that ensures protection of, and public access to all Canadian waterways that are navigable by “floating vessels”.

The NWPA currently helps to protect the integrity of our lakes and rivers because it requires that all “works” impacting navigable waters undergo an approval process. This approval process includes public notification of any proposed works and triggers a Federal Environmental Assessment (EA).  Read more...

Heritage Hockey Success!

On Saturday, February 7th, six teams participated in the second annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Pond Hockey Tournament on Mud Lake. The event brought members of our community together - business leaders, politicians, environmentalists and local residents - for a fun filled day of friendly heritage hockey, in support of Ottawa Riverkeeper.  Together, we raised $1380 to help us continue our work.

Congratulations to the “Unrestricted Free Agents” who were voted the most fun and most skilled team to play against.

Thanks to enthusiastic participants, dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors, the event was exactly what we had envisioned.  Learn more and view pictures.

Podcast: Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

"Sunk: The End of Navigation Rights in Canada"

Buried within the federal Budget Implementation Act are sweeping changes to the Navigable Water’s Protection Act. This week, Krystyn Tully and Mark Mattson of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, speak with Dr. Bob Bailey from the Canadian Outdoor Network, Peter Karwacki of the Friends of the Kipawa River, and author Joseph Boyden on the proposed changes and what they mean for navigation on Canadian waterways.

Learn more and download the podcast

You Asked Us...

You asked us about shoreline development along the Ottawa River, and we followed up.

We've recently received a number of questions regarding the use of heavy equipment along the banks of the Ottawa River (on Highway 174, near Trim Road).  As a result of the high visibility of the site, and no obvious erosion control measures in-place, concerns have been raised about whether or not the property owner has applied for and been granted the necessary permits to alter the shoreline.  Since this area of the Ottawa River is prime habitat for Muskie, we contacted the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, looking for answers.  In an official response, the RVCA has informed us that the property and above mentioned work is under investigation.  As a result, they have refused to release information on the issue (including copies of permit requests or approvals).

Apparently the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has approved some shoreline work at the site, and yet there seems to be an issue with transparency.  If permits have been granted, what kind of site assessment was performed, if any?  Who's monitoring the ongoing impacts and outcome of the project, to ensure compliance?  We intend to keep working on the issue, and we'll keep you informed.

If you have questions for Ottawa Riverkeeper, please visit our website and contact us.

Volunteer Spotlight: Emma Stinson

Emma Stinson, a University of Ottawa student and dedicated Ottawa Riverkeeper volunteer, recently conducted a comprehensive study of the "Proposed Revisions to the Navigable Waters Protection Act".  Emma's research has provided us with vital background information on the issue, from various different stakeholders.

"Volunteering with Ottawa Riverkeeper has allowed me to blend my academic studies and recreational passions into one project. The proposed amendments to the NWPA are important to the future of my paddling pursuits and the protection of our rivers". 

Thanks, Emma, for your dedication and support!

For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit our website and attend our information session on February 24th.

More Stories of the Ottawa River

I first gazed upon the Ottawa River when I was a schoolgirl, visiting the National Capital Region on a geography field trip from my Toronto high school. Back then, after I climbed King Mountain in Gatineau Park and surveyed the Ottawa Valley stretching below me, I vowed this would be the place I’d live someday. The Ottawa River had cast its spell and captured my soul. Read the full column...

Katharine Fletcher is a freelance writer and author of books such as Capital Rambles: Exploring the National Capital Region, which includes many tales of the Valley. Contact her at chesley@allstream.net with your stories of the Ottawa River.