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Press Release: October 10 2024

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release

October 10, 2024
Gatineau, Quebec

CPAWS-OV Celebrates Federal Initiative to Protect Gatineau Park with New Conservation Bill

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) applauds the recent announcement by Member of Parliament Sophie Chatel and Senator Rosa Galvez regarding the intention to table a bill aimed at protecting Gatineau Park. This legislative initiative is a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term protection and management of one of the region’s most cherished Parks.
The main objective of the bill is to preserve the natural environment of Gatineau Park, promote cultural heritage, and provide the legislative tools for the effective management of activities in the Park.
Among the key elements of the bill are:

  • Public Use of the Park: Maintenance of the park will prioritize public benefit and protection of the park’s unique ecosystems
  • Management and Ecological Integrity: Priority will be given to preserving the ecological integrity of the park
  • Master Plan: A comprehensive master plan will be created to guide the park’s management and protection, with clear objectives and indicators. Public and Indigenous communities will be actively consulted in decision-making processes related to the park’s future.
  • Park Lands – Alienation and Use: The bill imposes restrictions on the alienation of public lands within the park and outlines strict procedures for land disposal, ensuring that park lands are not jeopardized for private or commercial purposes.

John McDonnell, Executive director at CPAWS-OV, stated, ” This bill is a momentous step towards protecting the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Gatineau Park. CPAWS-OV has long advocated for stronger legislative protections for the Park, and we are
thrilled to see the federal government taking action. By passing these protections into law, we ensure that Gatineau Park remains a safe haven for wildlife and that future generations will be able to continue to enjoy the park in all its glory.”

CPAWS-OV remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including local communities, Indigenous groups, and government bodies, to support the development and implementation of this important legislation.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:
Julia Clarke
Communications Manager, CPAWS-OV
ov-outreach@cpaws.org
www.cpaws-vo-ov.org
—
About CPAWS-OV:
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) is a registered charity dedicated to protecting public lands and freshwater across the Ottawa Valley region. Through advocacy, education, and collaborative initiatives, CPAWS-OV works to ensure that these invaluable ecosystems remain preserved for future generations.

 

 

COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE
Pour publication immédiate

Le 10 octobre 2024
Gatineau, Québec

La SNAP-VO célèbre l’initiative fédérale visant à protéger le parc de la Gatineau grâce à un nouveau projet de loi sur la conservation.

La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – section de la vallée de l’Outaouais (SNAP-VO) se réjouit de l’annonce récente de la députée Sophie Chatel et de la sénatrice Rosa Galvez concernant l’intention de déposer un projet de loi visant à protéger le parc de la Gatineau. Cette initiative législative est un pas en avant important pour assurer la protection et la gestion à long terme de l’un des parcs les plus précieux de la région.

L’objectif principal du projet de loi est de préserver les milieux naturels du parc de la Gatineau, de promouvoir le patrimoine culturel et de fournir les outils législatifs nécessaires à la gestion efficace des activités dans le parc.
Les principaux éléments du projet de loi sont les suivants :

  • Utilisation du parc par le public : L’entretien du parc donnera la priorité au bénéfice du public et à la protection des écosystèmes uniques du parc.
  • Gestion et intégrité écologique : La priorité sera donnée à la préservation de l’intégrité écologique du parc.
  • Plan directeur : Un plan directeur global sera créé pour guider la gestion et la protection du parc, avec des objectifs et des icibles précises. Le public et les communautés autochtones seront activement consultés dans le cadre des processus décisionnels liés à l’avenir du parc.
  • Terres du parc – aliénation et utilisation : le projet de loi impose des restrictions sur l’aliénation des terres publiques situées dans le parc et définit des procédures strictes pour les changements de vocation des terrains, afin de garantir que les habitats naturels du parc ne soient pas menacés par des intérêts privés ou commerciaux.mises en péril à des fins privées ou commerciales.

John McDonnell, directeur général de la SNAP-VO, a déclaré : « Ce projet de loi constitue une étape importante dans la protection de la beauté naturelle et de l’intégrité écologique du parc de la Gatineau. La SNAP-VO plaide depuis longtemps en faveur de protections législatives plus solides pour le Parc, et nous sommes ravis de voir le gouvernement fédéral passer à l’action. En adoptant ces protections dans la loi, nous nous assurons que le parc de la Gatineau demeure un havre de paix pour la faune et que les générations futures pourront continuer à profiter du parc dans toute sa splendeur. ».

La SNAP-VO reste déterminée à travailler avec toutes les parties prenantes, y compris les communautés locales, les communautés autochtones et les organismes gouvernementaux, afin de soutenir l’élaboration et la mise en oeuvre de cette importante législation.

Pour de plus amples informations ou demandes de renseignements, veuillez contacter:
Julia Clarke
Gestionnaire de la communication, SNAP-VO
ov-outreach@cpaws.org
www.cpaws-vo-ov.org
—
À propos de la SNAP-VO :
La Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – section de la vallée de l’Outaouais (SNAP-VO) est un organisme de bienfaisance enregistré qui se consacre à la protection des terres publiques et de l’eau douce dans toute la région de la vallée de l’Outaouais. Par le biais de la défense des droits, de l’éducation et d’initiatives de collaboration, la SNAP-VO s’efforce de veiller à ce que ces écosystèmes inestimables demeurent préservés pour les générations futures.

Environmental petitions – Ministerial Q&A

Environmental Petitions - Ministerial Q&A

Over the past year, our team has been working hard to collect signatures on our Federal environmental petitions for the National Capital Greenbelt and the Gatineau Park, seeking National Urban Park status to ensure the protection of these Parks for generations to come. Once the required amount of signatures have been collected, we can then submit the petition to the house of commons through a member of parliament. You may have seen that we recently had our Gatineau Park petition submitted before the House of Commons by Pontiac MP Sophie Chatel.

Submission of our Gatineau Park petition before the House of Commons by MP Sophie Chatel

In addition, CPAWS-OV submitted questions to the House of Commons regarding these petitions. Here, we would like to share with you our questions and the responses we received as a way to share insights into our work with our supporters.  

Questions: 

Question 1: For the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in his capacity as Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for Parks Canada:

Given the fact that the National Capital Greenbelt meets all the criteria for National Urban Park designation, when will the legislation be tabled in Parliament to establish a NUP for the National Capital Region that includes this Greenbelt? 

Response: 

The 2021 federal budget committed to the creation of up to six national urban parks, and Parks Canada has begun work at candidate sites. Collaborative work is under way in Greater Victoria, British Columbia; the Edmonton region, Alberta; the Saskatoon region, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Windsor, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Parks Canada is also in exploratory conversations in Montréal, Quebec. Parks Canada is presently focused on advancing those candidate sites. The December 2021 mandate letter for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change increased the program’s scope by committing to create up to 15 national urban parks by 2030.  
While Parks Canada is exploring opportunities for expanding this program, no decisions have been taken about new candidate sites for national urban parks. Parks Canada will share information about any program expansion once it is available.  

Officials from the National Capital Commission and Parks Canada have had initial discussions about exploring a possible national urban park in Ottawa. While officials have had preliminary conversations in that regard, these are only exploratory at this point. No decision has been made to pursue a national urban park in Ottawa, and Parks Canada has not signed a statement of collaboration to work with the National Capital Commission or any other partner.  

Question 2: For the Minister of Public Services and Procurement in his capacity as Minister response for the National Capital Commission:

Will the Minister support having the National Capital Greenbelt designated as a NUP and what steps will the Minister undertake to provide the assistance required to achieve an NUP?  If not, why not? 

Response:  
The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the protection of green spaces, wetlands and environments with biodiversity value in the National Capital Region. In alignment with this federal priority, the National Capital Commission (NCC) strives to ensure a more sustainable ecological footprint through the protection and conservation of the region’s green spaces, including the National Capital Greenbelt. 

The role of the NCC, as defined by the National Capital Act, is “to prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that the nature and character of the seat of the Government of Canada may be in accordance with its national significance.” The corporation fulfills this role through its responsibilities to set the long-term planning direction for federal lands in the National Capital Region, regulate the use and development of federal lands in the National Capital Region, as well as manage, conserve and protect the NCC’s cultural and natural assets. 

Officials from the NCC and Parks Canada have had initial discussions about exploring a possible national urban park in Ottawa. While officials have had preliminary conversations regarding the possibility of a national urban park in Ottawa, these are only exploratory at this point. No decision has been made to pursue a national urban park in Ottawa and Parks Canada has not signed a statement of collaboration to work with the NCC or any other partner. The Government of Canada continues to explore different ways to champion environmental sustainability, climate resilience, conservation and the protection of the National Capital Greenbelt and other greenspaces in the National Capital Region for the lasting enjoyment of future generations of Canadians. 

Question 3: For the Minister of Public Services and Procurement in his capacity as Minister response for the National Capital Commission and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in his capacity as Minister responsible for Environment and Climate Change, and Minister responsible for Parks Canada:  

When will the boundaries of the National Capital Greenbelt be confirmed?  

Response:  

The Government of Canada and the National Capital Commission (NCC) recognize the importance of ensuring that natural and cultural resources are promoted and protected for current and future generations. In support of the commitment to conserve nature and connect people with greenspaces across the National Capital Region, the Government of Canada will explore ways to minimize the pressures of urban development and externalities from other land uses in the National Capital Greenbelt. 

The protection and conservation of this ecologically diverse greenspace is vital to ensuring its health and sustained access for residents and visitors of the National Capital Region. 



PRESS RELEASE 

For immediate release 

 

Gatineau, November 27, 2023 – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) and the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO)* are organizing information workshops on the protection of the Noire and Coulonge rivers watersheds. 

CPAWS-OV and CREDDO have been mandated by the Quebec government to organize planning activities for the creation of a protected area of approximately 1,150 km2 in the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge rivers (MRC Pontiac). Since 2020, these organizations have carried out ecological surveys of the territory and had discussions with stakeholders in the region and members of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Indigenous Community to hear their needs and concerns regarding this project. 

On August 30, 2023, the Quebec government announced that 852.6 km2 of this territory had been set aside as a reserve, officially designating this section as a protected area. CPAWS-OV and CREDDO would like to expand this territory to at least 1,150 km2 and suggest a management structure that ensures governance for and by the local community. These organizations want to present the project to the public and hear their comments and suggestions before submitting a proposal to the Quebec government in March 2024. 

We invite you to discuss the project on November 29 in Gatineau. The meeting will include a detailed bilingual presentation of the project, followed by your comments and questions. You will also have the opportunity to comment on a map of the territory where the protected area is located. 

 

November 29, 2023 
6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. 

 
Salle Mont-Bleu (Maison du Citoyen)  
25 rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC J8X 4C8 

 

The event will be free and will include snacks. We encourage you to register in advance on Yapla for logistical reasons. 

Information workshops will also be held on December 4 in Fort-Coulonge (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and online on the Zoom platform on December 6 (5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Zoom link). Other meetings may be held according to demand to ensure representative and inclusive participation. 

 

Yapla links for free registration 

 
November 29: https://creddo-ca.s1.yapla.com/fr/event-47631 

December 4: https://creddo-ca.s1.yapla.com/fr/event-47649 

December 6: https://creddo-ca.s1.yapla.com/fr/event-47661 

Mailerlite: https://preview.mailerlite.com/x5m8r7a3w0 

 

*These two organizations are supported by CPAWS Quebec as part of the Plein aire initiative, subsidized by the Quebec government. 

 

About CPAWS-VO 

For over 50 years, the Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV) has worked to protect and preserve biodiversity in the Ottawa Valley by promoting and defending ecological integrity in public land management, working with other local and regional environmental groups, and collaborating with aboriginal communities, industry and government. 

About CREDDO 

The CREDDO is one of 17 regional environmental councils across Quebec. As such, it is the privileged interlocutor of the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP). Its main mandate is to ensure the concerted action of Outaouais stakeholders on the region’s environmental issues. An NPO active in the region since 1990, we now have close to a hundred members, including associations, businesses, government bodies and individuals. Our projects provide solutions to the management of residual materials, the fight against and adaptation to climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and the development of a green economy. 

 

For more information or to request additional meetings: 

Yanny Ritchot 

Western Quebec Conservation Coordinator, CPAWS-OV 

yritchot@cpaws.org 

 

Web sites: 

https://snap-vo.org/dumoine-noire-and-coulonge-watersheds/ 

https://www.creddo.ca/aire-protegee 

Protect Gatineau Park by signing this House of Commons petition by July 19

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Protect Gatineau Park by signing this House of Commons petition by July 19

On March 25, Pontiac Member of Parliament, Sophie Chatel, rose in the House of Commons to present an initial batch of 600 signatures on our petition calling on the federal government to grant Gatineau Park legislative protection, which includes boundaries set in an Act of Parliament.

Gatineau Park still needs your help to make its protection a reality.

MP Sophie Chatel has sponsored a petition on the House of Commons website, and we only have until July 19 to gather as many signatures as possible to show decision makers just how important Gatineau Park is to all Canadians.

This iconic park is home to:

  • over 115 rare or endangered species depending on it for survival
  • intact forests keeping hot summer temperatures cooler
  • 165 km of hiking trails and 90 km of bike trails for you to use year-round

With just one click, you can protect the animals and people counting on Gatineau Park for freshwater, clean air to breathe, and climate action.

Sign the petition now.

Creation of a protected area in the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge Rivers: A first step for the population of the Pontiac

Gatineau, June 17, 2022 – Economic, municipal and environmental stakeholders applaud the Government of Québec for announcing its intention to create the Noire and Coulonge Rivers Biodiversity Reserve, the largest protected area in the Outaouais. This announcement marks a positive first step in showcasing the unique Outaouais wilderness. This decision sends a strong signal about how serious the Government of Québec is about protecting the territory. The next step is to determine the boundaries and governance parameters of the protected area based on the consensus reached at the end of the current consultation process.

For Benoit Delage, Executive Director of the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO), “the commitment of all stakeholders will be essential for the future. It will allow us to develop further the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge Rivers, coherently, according to the needs expressed by the Pontiac community.”

A source of pride

The actors gathered agreed to underline the strong positive impact that the creation of the protected area will have on the region. In addition to preserving, conserving and enhancing a significant portion of the Outaouais territory, this planned protected area could contribute to the local economic diversification.

“This announcement represents exceptional potential for the diversification of the Pontiac economy. The creation of a protected area would allow appealing recreational tourism development for the Outaouais and fits perfectly with our regional priorities, such as outdoor outfitting, boating, camping and sustainable tourism.” says Julie Kinnear, CEO of Tourisme Outaouais.

“People are attracted to the Pontiac because of our beautiful wilderness, especially our pristine Noire and Coulonge Rivers. We need to protect their waters. To maximize the positive impacts of the protected area, the continuation of the consultation process is essential. For the community to fully profit from the economic, social and environmental benefits of the protected area, we must listen to its needs and expectations concerning the project. It will allow the creation of a protected area which, built on the strength of the consensus within our community, will become a flagship of the local economy.” says Jane Toller, Warden of the MRC Pontiac.

A consultation process essential for success

Over the past three years, CREDDO and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) have led consultations with regional stakeholders. These will continue until recommendations are made to the government. The CREDDO and CPAWS-OV will continue working with the community to ensure the project is successful.

“The consultations will allow the population of the Pontiac, local experts, to express themselves on the places they wish to see included in the protected area. Our teams are delighted that the government is open to expanding the project through community input.” clarified Geneviève Le Blanc, Director of Conservation for the Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV).

“The consultations we have carried out so far have shown that citizens, outfitters, municipalities and the MRC are keen to get involved in the decisions regarding the future of the protected area and its boundaries, as evidenced by a resolution unanimously supported by the mayors of the MRC Pontiac.” says John McDonnell, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV).

The consultation process has already mobilized stakeholders in the region. However, more work is still required to allow the community to take ownership of the project and adapt it to its reality. This approach, new in Québec, could serve as a model for other protected areas. CREDDO and CPAWS-OV will continue to work with the community to ensure the realization of the project. The next steps will result in a consensus proposal that we will present to the government during the information sessions conducted by the Bureau des audiences publiques en Environnement (BAPE).

Hike in the Madawaska Highlands: Griffith Uplands Trail October 29th

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Get ready for an exhilarating adventure! Join us for an adrenaline-pumping hike on Sunday, October 29 at 11:00am, at the breathtaking Griffith Uplands Trail. Picture this: an adrenaline-fueled trek near the charming town of Griffith that will leave you in awe! 

Embark on a journey that promises 8.4 kilometers of pure excitement, offering both a challenge and a thrill. With an average completion time of 2.5 hours, this trail will keep your heart racing as you conquer its moderately difficult terrain and conquer elevations that will take your breath away. There is significant elevation and challenging sections of the trail and therefore it may not be suitable for beginner hikers. We ask all participants to dress for the weather. Rocks may be slippery so come prepared. Pack some snacks and of course make sure to bring at least one bottle of water, we suggest bringing two just to be on the safe side. 

The meeting point is at 11:00 am at the Griffith Uplands Trailhead which can be found at the following google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fDY81XAeyfYRi5u3A. There is room for parking at the trailhead and parking on the side of the road is also an option as it is not a very busy road. We ask participants to plan to arrive 10-15 early so that we can begin the hike right at 11:00 am. If you are coming from Ottawa, it is about an 1.5-2 hour drive and it may be possible to arrange carpooling from the city. Please let us know in your registration email if you require transportation. We cannot guarantee transportation, but we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Please note there is no bathroom facilities at the trailhead itself but there are some at the “Griffith Picnic Spot” (https://maps.app.goo.gl/XMP3QBUDAySAKd647 ) which you will pass by on your way to the trail and is only about 5 minutes away. 

We expect our expedition to take around 3-3.5 hours, granting us ample time to embrace the wilderness and immerse ourselves in the scenic wonder that the Griffith Uplands Trail generously provides. Let’s seize the day and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas this trail has in store for us. Unleash your inner adventurer and let’s make this hike an unforgettable escapade! Rally to the call of the wild, and let’s conquer those trails together! 

Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure. Register today by contacting our hike coordinator, Reda, at hike@cpaws.org 

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CPAWS Ottawa Valley
365-A, boulevard St-Joseph, Suite 102,
Gatineau (Québec)
J8Y 3Z6
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Phone: (613) 569-7226 ext 232
Fax: (613) 569-7098

CPAWS is a registered charity, #10686 5272 RR0001