Natural Resources Canada2004/16 April 22, 2004 NEW GEOSCAPE POSTER UNVEILED IN OTTAWA OTTAWA - A national poster series is giving Canadians a whole new appreciation of their local landscape. Today, Marlene Catterall, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean, unveiled the Geoscape poster of Ottawa-Gatineau at Notre Dame high school on behalf of the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). "Geoscape is helping Canadians understand their local geological landscape in order to make better decisions for their own communities," said Ms. Catterall. "It is especially fitting that we unveil this poster today on Earth Day - an internationally recognized day when millions of Canadians take part in positive environmental activities in their communities." The Geoscape poster of Ottawa-Gatineau illustrates the geological origin of rocks and sediments of the area, local earth and water resources, local hazards such as landslides and floods, and how local geology influences land use. It is the result of a partnership among NRCan and the following partners: Canadian Museum of Nature Carleton University's Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and Department of Earth Sciences Environment Canada Écomusée de Hull Friends of Petrie Island National Capital Commission Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Ottawa-Carleton Catholic District School Board Commission scolaire des Draveurs Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources City of Ottawa Rideau Valley Conservation Authority South Nation Conservation Authority University of Ottawa's Department of Earth Sciences With the assistance of the Ontario government and local teachers, NRCan plans to develop teachers' resource kits to accompany the poster. Posters are also available for $15 (tax included) through Natural Resources Canada. For more information on Geoscape Ottawa-Gatineau and other posters in the series, visit http://www.geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/. Canadian communities can be more sustainable if they understand their local "geoscape" - or geological landscape. Each poster in the Geoscape series focuses on a particular area in Canada and, along with the companion Web site, has been designed with the public and students in mind. The posters go beyond traditional maps by using rich illustrations and easy-to-read information to "tell the story" of the geology and resources of a community. The Geoscape Canada program, led by the Geological Survey of Canada (part of NRCan), is developing posters for 15 communities across the country. To date, most of the communities have been metropolitan areas (including Vancouver, Calgary, Montréal, Halifax and Whitehorse); however, larger areas were also illustrated, including southern Saskatchewan. The region of Nanaimo (central Vancouver Island) in British Columbia will be the next poster to be developed in the Geoscape series. This initiative enhances our quality of life by contributing to a strong society and communities - supporting the Government of Canada's agenda of strong social foundations, a strong economy for the 21st century and ensuring Canada's role of pride and influence in the world. For more information, media may contact: Alexandra Muir Ghyslain Charron Director of Communications Media Relations Office of the Minister, Natural Resources Canada Natural Resources Canada (613) 992-4447 (613) 947-8246
