Ottawa River Watershed Study
The Ottawa River watershed is home to over two million people and has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for countless generations. This area is important in part because of its natural beauty, history and recreational activities.
On May 3, 2017, the House of Commons passed private Member’s motion (M-104), asking the Government of Canada to carry out a study on the Ottawa River watershed. In response to this motion, the Ottawa River Watershed Study was initiated by the Government of Canada in May 2017 to:
- understand barriers to the effective management of the Ottawa River watershed
- look at opportunities to enhance watershed management in the future
- examine the need for a watershed council or collaborative body
- gather information related to existing and potential indicators to understand the health of the Ottawa River watershed
- explore natural, historical, economic and cultural values in the Ottawa River watershed and possible threats to those values
Engagement
In order to respond to the motion, a broad engagement process was carried out including:
- consulting with Indigenous communities and organizations
- an online engagement platform
- town hall events, presentations and workshops
- email outreach.
This engagement resulted in input received from many people and organizations:
- Indigenous communities and organizations
- provinces of Québec and Ontario
- municipalities
- watershed and non-governmental organizations
- businesses
- stakeholder associations
- youth and concerned individuals
Information gathered through our research and from the input received, resulted in a report titled An Examination of Governance, Existing Data, Potential Indicators and Values in the Ottawa River Watershed (PDF).
Key findings
This report identifies several best practices and case studies for watershed management. In addition, the majority of participants in the study were in favour of creating a new council or collaborative body to:
- focus on improving trust, coordination and information-sharing among members
- identify priority issues
- support local watershed activities.
Most Indigenous communities and organizations agreed that a council membership, structure and mandate must strongly reflect Aboriginal rights and interests.
An analysis was done to understand ongoing data collection and monitoring efforts, and review past watershed health assessments. A comprehensive assessment of the health of the watershed was seen as an important first step to identify gaps, priorities and common goals. Some of the ideas include:
- improving the coordination of monitoring activities
- sharing existing information
- supporting community-based monitoring
- improving communication about the watershed.
Indigenous communities and organizations emphasized the importance of including Indigenous Knowledge in watershed health assessments.
This study also made clear that the natural, economic, cultural and heritage values associated with the watershed are connected. It provides a number of benefits that contribute to a high quality of life and a sense of identity for those who live within the area. It also supports many economic activities. People that participated in the engagement process raised concerns about activities that may impact the health of the watershed, such as wastewater.
Conclusion
This report contributed to a better understanding about the Ottawa River watershed and discussions on how to protect it.
Currently, the St. Lawrence River Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative- Priority Interventions Program (PIP) supports projects aimed at improving freshwater quality in priority areas or areas of significance related to the St. Lawrence River and its tributaries, which includes the Ottawa River as one of the priority areas.