PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, December 20, 2006 - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, today announced that a contract has been awarded by Parks Canada to Ecoplans Limited, an environmental consulting firm based in Kitchener, Ontario. The $60,000 project will study the past, present and future of water management on the Trent-Severn Waterway and will examine and make recommendations on alternative approaches to water management that may better address the interests of a full range of stakeholders while protecting the environment.
"This study will provide important information which will enable Parks Canada and its partners to move towards a future water management regime that better meets the needs of this evolving community," said Minister Ambrose. "This proactive water management initiative supports Parks Canada's goal to address stakeholders' needs and expectations while balancing ecological concerns such as habitat protection and conservation."
The Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada enables marine navigation between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay by linking numerous rivers, lakes and man-made canals in central Ontario. Over 160 dams along the system, operated by Parks Canada, are used to maintain navigable water levels by drawing water from the Trent and Severn Watersheds.
In the past, the primacy of marine navigation was the overarching principle by which waters were regulated along the Trent-Severn Waterway and the reservoir lakes. Over the years, use of the watersheds by other interests has increased significantly and now includes hydroelectric generation, potable water for municipalities and shoreline residents, recreational and other tourism uses. Protection of the watersheds has emerged as a top priority and includes concerns about natural habitats, clean water, renewable energy and ecological sustainability. This increase in water usage and environmental concerns have led to a realization by Parks Canada that its jurisdiction, equipment, and water management principles may no longer be meeting the needs of all stakeholders.
"By studying the issues and concerns of the past and the present, Parks Canada is ensuring a healthy future for the Trent-Severn Waterway," said Mr. Devolin. "Residents and businesses along the waterway, including those on reservoir lakes in Haliburton County, will welcome this opportunity to have their voices heard."
Constructed between 1833 and 1920, the Trent-Severn Waterway was declared a National Historic Site in 1929. It commemorates Canada's history of canal construction and the importance of the canal system throughout this country's history. Today this 386 km long heritage corridor is enjoyed by more than 1.5 million land and water based visitors every year.
On behalf of the people of Canada, Parks Canada protects and presents nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and fosters public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of its heritage treasures in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative integrity for present and future generations.
Information:
Robert Klager
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Jack Alexander
Acting Superintendent
Trent-Severn Waterway
Parks Canada
705-750-4920
