Ottawa, Ontario, February 24, 2010--Mr. Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds – Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that the federal government is supporting the development of an Internet project that will help protect Canada’s lakes and rivers. The Government will provide close to $35,000 from Rideau Canal Resource Conservation funding to the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds to complete the Rideau Regional Profile on its Water Connections Internet portal.
“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Canada is investing close to $35,000 to support the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds’ Water Connections Internet project. Understanding and protecting precious Canadian water resources is a fundamental foundation of responsible environmental management,” said Mr. Brown. “This grassroots initiative will provide long-term benefits, not only to those with an interest in the management and maintenance of our waters, but also for the people of Canada.”
The Centre for Sustainable Watersheds (CSW) is a not-for-profit organization created to foster community involvement in caring for water in Canadian lakes and rivers. The CSW works with groups across geographical, political and jurisdictional boundaries to support information exchange and expertise that will safeguard Canada’s water heritage.
“CSW is excited by the opportunity to develop this very unique public service to support community engagement in caring for water resources of the Rideau Corridor,” said Emilie Morin, CSW project coordinator.
The CSW Water Connections Internet portal facilitates collaboration of local, on the ground water management efforts. It evolved out of a need to provide “one-stop” access to comprehensive and up-to-date water information for managers, researchers and the public. The CSW is developing regional profiles that will be featured on the website, and due to the CSW’s close proximity to the historic Rideau Canal, the Rideau Regional Profile will be the first profile featured on the website. It is anticipated that this profile will serve as model for other regions across the country.
“Preservation of Canada’s water resources is a shared responsibility,” said Minister Prentice. “I am pleased to support this initiative to facilitate the ability of citizens, organisations and governments to work together to protect and enhance the quality of our water while promoting its wise and efficient use.”
Parks Canada currently manages 42 National Parks, 167 National Historic Sites, 3 National Marine Conservation Areas and 9 National Historic Canals throughout Canada. As a world leader in the conservation and protection of natural heritage, Parks Canada sees the Water Connections project as a practical innovation that will aid water management of the Rideau Canal and many other sites under our care. It speaks to Parks Canada’s mandate to protect our valuable natural resources and our commitment to working with organizations that share in our Agency’s values.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Valerie Blazeski
Ecosystem Scientist
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 x 253
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Centre for Sustainable Watersheds funding contribution
