Conference Program

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This action-packed evening will be held at the beautiful National Arts Centre, located in downtown Ottawa along the banks of the Rideau Canal, a Canadian Heritage River and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Opening with a visually stunning multimedia presentation of Wild Water, Wild Earth, the evening will close with an opportunity for guests to meet with Mark Angelo.

Mark Angelo’s presentation makes an eloquent statement about the conservation of wild spaces while also exploring the plight of many of the world’s indigenous cultures. For those with an interest in travel, adventure and the outdoors, or for those who care about our environment, Wild Water, Wild Earth is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

Opening remarks by conference co-ChairsFrançois Lapointe, Executive Director, National Capital Commission -(Keynote speaker)Marie Lemay's should be: Ms. Marie Lemay, P Eng., Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission, and Doug Stewart, Parks Canada.

Remarks by Ms. Marie Lemay, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission.

Wade Davis is an Anthropologist, Ethnobotanist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. A native of British Columbia, Davis holds degrees in anthropology and biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University. A distinguished speaker and author, Davis’ work has taken him to the Amazon and the Andes as well as Haiti, East Africa, Borneo, Nepal, Peru, Polynesia, Tibet, Mali, Benin, Togo, New Guinea, Vanuatu, and the high Arctic of Nunavut and Greenland. His findings have inspired him to publish over 150 scientific articles as well as two bestselling novels.

Is being “green” simply the latest global buzzword or can the efforts of pulp and paper and oil companies truly help conserve and protect Canada’s water resources? Find out during this provocative panel discussion as industry and environmental representatives discuss their visions and strategies to protect the environment.

Moderated by Ken Schmidt, Essex Region Conservation Authority, the discussion will include industry panelist Jim Brewington, Shell Canada's Manager of the Environment and CO2 for the Alberta Oil Sands; environmental panelists, Danielle Droitsch, Director, Water Matters and Mark Mattson, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, Board of Directors, Waterkeeper Alliance; and Environment and Economy panelist David McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer, National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy.

Delegates are invited to view conference posters during this break. Poster presenters will be available to discuss their projects and answer questions during this time.

Making the Case for the Rivers Canada Foundation

A number of river champion organizations are supporting the establishment of a national rivers foundation to support river conservation in Canada. Hear about this important new initiative and the key recommendations of the business case on establishing a Rivers Canada Foundation.

Adrienne Blattel is the Associate Director of QLF’s Northern Gulf Culture and Heritage Program and has worked out of their Montreal headquarters since 2002. Her work focuses on fostering river conservation initiatives and community heritage development in Eastern Canada. She holds an undergraduate degree in Arts and Science from McMaster University in Hamilton, a Geography diploma from Université de Savoie in the French Alps, and a Master in Environmental Studies and Heritage Interpretation from York University in Toronto.

Session 1:
Current and Future Climate Variability and Change: The Real Threat to River Waters
Learn about climate change, predictions of future climate models regarding water abundance or scarcity and how a changing climate will impact river water systems.
(A. Douglas, Ontario Centre for Climate Impacts and Adaptation Resources)

Long Term Trends in Climate and Hydrology in Ottawa
Identify and interpret long term trends in temperature and precipitation and understand the relationship between geology and river flows and the associated implications on ecological function and drought.
(K. Cover City of Ottawa, Environmental Sustainability Division)

Session 2:
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System: Charting New Directions in River Management
Be motivated to participate in championing causes that promote effective river management, while learning about Canada’s goals and achievements in conserving and presenting its rich river heritage.
(B. Grimsey, Parks Canada, Canadian Heritage Rivers Secretariat)

Improving Collaboration in a Complex River Management Context: The Ottawa River Integrated Development Plan
Learn about the complexities of river jurisdictional settings, translate a visionary plan into more concrete steps of implementation and demonstrate the benefits of collaboration, from the small to large steps.
(L. Thornton and P. Dubé, National Capital Commission, Capital Planning)

Session 3:
How Rivers Create Communities: The Ottawa Example
Learn about the Rivers for Urban Development, the importance of rivers to local community members and some of the challenges in protecting rivers in an urban environment.
(M. Wilkinson, Councillor, City of Ottawa)

Community Development along the Three Rivers: a Canadian Heritage River
Learn how to plan community economic development, bring together a wide variety of stakeholders, while linking cultural, natural and recreational opportunities.
(D.Boyce, Three Rivers Heritage Association)

Chief Kirby Whiteduck, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nations and Dr. Gilbert Whiteduck, Chief, Kitigan Zibi anishinabeg

Past Reflections – Future Directions: Algonquin Nation Perspectives

Learn about the history of the Algonquin use of the Kitchissippi (Ottawa River) and what the Algonquins envision for their future involvement with and roles with respect to the Ottawa River and the watershed.

Grandmother Josephine Mandamin, Wikwemikong Unceded Nation, Great Lakes Mother Earth Water Walk

Water is Sacred, Water is Alive

In 2003, Grandmother Josephine Mandamin came upon the idea of walking around Lake Superior to draw attention to the fact that water is the lifeblood of Mother Earth. Other grandmothers joined her in what eventually became a walk around the five Great Lakes. She and her supporters raised awareness of the critical water shortage and of political and spiritual issues related to water. The grandmothers’ example helped to bring together over 100 Tribes and First Nations to sign the Tribal and First Nations Great Lakes Water Accord in which all pledged to work together to protect water.

In her presentation Water is Sacred, Water is Alive, Josephine shares how her vision came to be and leaves us with a renewed commitment to the tradition of protecting our waters.

Session 4 :
Every Curve Has A Name: Intergenerational Engagement on the Role of Rivers
Learn about the importance of inter-generational and community-based research to foster awareness of river values, explore social, economic, and cultural relations and challenges with rivers and visualize sustainable river-based economic practices.
(S. Gruner, E. Metatawabin and J. Sutherland, OISE/UT, Algoma University and Fort Albany First Nation)

Session 5 :
The Dumoine River – Engaging Communities to protect southern Quebec’s last wild river
Learn to engage communities in wilderness conservation and to launch and sustain a broad based campaign to seek legal protection for a largely undisturbed watershed. Explore ways to use the collapse of resource industries to promote ecotourism.
(J. McDonnell, Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Ottawa Valley Chapter, and W. Shaber, Director, Trailhead)

Session 6 :
The Wolastoqiyik (People of the Beautiful River)
Learn about educational programmes offered in the Wolatoqiyik community in environmental awareness to include traditional knowledge and obtain an overview of their integrative approach to watershed management,.
(C. Brooks, Maliseet Nation Conservation Council and R. Curry, Canadian Rivers Institute of University of New Brunswick)

Field Trip A :
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Tour of Victoria Island
Visit this urban Aboriginal cultural attraction, located behind Parliament Hill on Victoria Island, a sacred and historical haven in the middle of the Ottawa River.

Field Trip B :
Voyageur canoe tour of the Ottawa River
Experience the Ottawa River as the Voyageurs once did, while learning about the importance of the River and its connection to Aboriginal, Francophone and Anglophone heritage.

Field Trip C :
The Rideau Canal Boat Tour from Ottawa Locks to Dow's Lake
Join us for an exciting tour of the downtown Ottawa portion of the Rideau Canal – a National Historic Site, Canadian Heritage River and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Field Trip D :
Exploring community water stewardship initiatives in and around the Gatineau Park
H₂0 Chelsea presents their award-winning water conservation, monitoring and stewardship initiatives on the shores of beautiful Kingsmere Lake in Gatineau Park.

Field Trip E :
Tour of The Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre:
Ottawa’s Water Quality Issues, Priorities and Actions.
Take a tour through this state-of-the-art facility: The Pickard Centre is one of the largest facilities of its type in Canada, treating domestic, commercial and industrial wastewater.

Field Trip F :
A Behind the Scenes Tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature Natural Heritage Collection
Join us for a rare “behind-the-scenes” visit of this state-of-the art facility that houses over 10 million specimens representing the flora, fauna and the geological and fossil records of Canada.

Field Trip G :
Tour of The Farmer’s Rapids Generating Station: a tour and discussion of the socio-economic and environmental issues related to impoundments.
Discover a jewel of the region’s history on the Gatineau River, 13 km from downtown Ottawa: the Farmer’s Rapids generating station, in operation since 1927.

Surviving The Third Millennium

Climate change, water supply, droughts on the prairies, floods on the coasts, energy shortage, growing population, clones, computer kids...the future can look scary sometimes. Can we engineer our way through another thousand years of civilization? This optimist says yes, and Canada is in a position to lead the way.

Bob McDonald, is the host of the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s (CBC) Quirks and Quarks, since 1992, and is one of Canada’s best-known science journalists, television and radio personalities and published authors. He is the host of a children's science television show called Heads Up!, which runs on TVO and the Knowledge Network. McDonald is also a weekly science commentator on CBC Newsworld Morning, and a science correspondent for CBC Television’s The National.

Session 7:
WWF-Canada’s Canadian Rivers Assessment: Addressing Nature’s Water Needs
Learn about the importance of environmental flows in sustaining the ecological integrity in freshwater ecosystems, policy and management options to improve their protection and the degree to which environmental flows are threatened in 10 Canadian Rivers.
(T. Maas, World Wildlife Fund-Canada)

The Ottawa-Gatineau Watershed Atlas
Learn about a valuable watershed tool enabling collaborative management of the Ottawa River, the cutting edge internet technologies used to address its jurisdictional challenges and the community participation in river stewardship.
(S. Kebo, Pollution Probe)

Session 8:
River Monitoring and Stewardship
Learn about the process for developing a watershed report card, with effective format and content, and public opinion benchmarking.
(G. Wilkins, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority)

Caring for Our Rivers Together Through Ontario Stewardship
Learn about the Ministry of Natural Resources Ontario Stewardship program and its role in promoting sustainable resource management; a grassroots stewardship effort taking place on a number of Ontario’s Rivers.
(K. Stokes, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Stewardship)

Adopting a Watercourse – An Ecological Surveillance Program for Watercourses
Overview of the adaptation of an academic program to an informal environment, ecological surveillance and community and visitor involvement for protecting and conserving river ecosystems.
(N. Piedboeuf, Comité de valorisation de la rivière Beauport et J. Ranger, Parcs Canada)

Session 9:
Navigation Rights and Canadian Waters
Familiarize yourself with ancient right of navigation, while identifying the threats to navigation and the connections between it and environmental protection. Learn to support and promote access to waterways.
(K. Tully, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper)

Water Connections
Learn about a unique Internet gateway to Canada’s water information, built to help overcome the sectoral and jurisdictional barriers to sharing knowledge and exchanging data. Using Canada’s most recently designated World Heritage Site as a model, this presentation will illustrate how the Rideau will become Canada’s first regional profile on Water Connections.
B. Sneyd and K. Goodman, Centre for Sustainable Watersheds

Defining Our Heritage: Much More Than an Inventory
Learn about the heritage features important to the designation of the Grand River as a Canadian Heritage River and the development of a web-based tool for public access of heritage inventory information.
(B. Veale, Grand River Conservation Authority)

Delegates are invited to view conference posters during this break. Poster presenters will be available to discuss their projects and answer questions during this time.

Session 10:
The role of small streams and their sediments in sustaining biodiversity in Canadian rivers
Understand the connection of small streams to large rivers and watersheds, the importance of microbial diversity in river quality and ecosystem health and the role of molecular tools in describing biodiversity in small streams and river restoration.
(C. Febria, University of Toronto)

Use of Mathematical Models in River Basin Management
Build river basin models, applying mathematical model to river basin governance, while addressing the difficulties of the process.
(F. Ahmed, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority)

Session 11:
Participatory Governance and Integrated Watershed Management: The Quebec Model
Master the main concepts of participatory governance and integrated water management, and learn about the mandate and major achievements of the ROBVQ and Quebec watershed organizations involved in maintaining and improving water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
(N. Hamelin, Regroupement des organisations de bassin versant du Québec (ROBVQ))

Community-Based Water Monitoring Programs: The H₂O Chelsea Project,
Learn key logistics and programs of a proven community-based water monitoring program and the potential for implementing similar programs throughout Canada. The H2O Chelsea project was awarded a Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Community Award recognizing its transferability to other communities.
(P. Henry, Environmental Consultant: H₂O Chelsea)

Session 12:
The French River - Building a Future for the Dokis First Nation Through Sustainable Clean Energy Development
Learn how ecological, environmental and conservation approaches can be integrated into small run-of-river projects, as well as how sustainable development approaches to clean energy can benefit First Nations for generations.
(C. Henderson, President, Lumos Energy & National Coordinator, Aboriginal Clean Energy (ACE) Network and Chief D. Restoule, Dokis First Nation)

The St. Croix International Waterway concept – sustainable or passé after 20 years?
Appreciate the complexity of international co-management, learn how creative techniques can be used across borders and see how, after 20 years, St. Croix collaboration is changing.
(L. Sochasky, St. Croix International Waterway Commission)

Session 13:
Ottawa River Water Quality Improvement Strategy: The Use of a 3-D Hydrodynamic Model as a Decision Support System
Gain an understanding of current water environment challenges in the Ottawa River, within the National Capital area, and the City of Ottawa Infrastructure Improvement Strategy to address these challenges.
(F. Petti, City of Ottawa and D. Scott, Baird & Associates)

Little fish facing big problems: The impacts of urbanization on stream fish populations
Learn to appreciate the magnitude of urbanization and its potential to impact river systems, link impacts from land-use to the health of rivers and improve policy initiatives as they relate to urbanization and rivers.
(M. Poos, University of Toronto, Dept. of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology)

Session 14:
One River, two Provinces, many Municipalities
Learn how a non-governmental organization empowers people to take action at the community level.
(M. Brown and D. Hasle, Ottawa Riverkeeper/Sentinelle Outaouais)

The Citizen Stream Watch for Ottawa
Learn to build a volunteer stream monitoring programme, develop and sustain a dedicated volunteer base and appreciate urban streams and associated community values.
(J. Sutton, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and D. Silver, Heron Park Community Association)

Session 15:
The Role of the St. Lawrence Water Trail in Shoreline Communities’ Management of the St. Lawrence River
Develop a province-wide structure and support volunteer initiatives while stressing the importance of the uniformity of the St. Lawrence Water Trail, and understand how it has become a resource for sustainable economic development.
(P. Pelland, Director, Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak)

The French River: Looking back, Looking Forward
Gain an appreciation for the evolving connection between Aboriginal peoples and the French River, while learning about bringing people with different ideas, perspectives and knowledge together to provide amazing results.
(B. Feilders, Planning and Research Section, Ontario Parks)

The Power of One

Time Magazine's Hero for the Planet, Simon Jackson, is the 24-year-old founder and Executive Director of the 6 million strong, Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. Through his 11 years of working to save British Columbia's endangered white Kermode or spirit bear, Simon has become a model of the power of one. In the telling of his unique story - the focus of a recent made-for-TV movie, and soon-to-be-released major Hollywood film – Simon will illustrate how he overcame roadblocks and skeptics to help make the spirit bear one of the world's foremost environmental issues. The lessons he learned and the insight he gained is not just the recipe to save the spirit bear, but a tool kit for action for anyone – especially youth - who want to make a difference in our world. Simon's message is inspirational, motivational, and educational: Not only will you want to catch the spirit to save the bear, but you'll be a believer in the power of one.

Simon Jackson is the founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. It is one of the world's only completely youth-run organizations, and the first to take an active role in helping protect the last remaining habitat of North America’s rarest bear, the white Kermode.

Session 16:
Towards a water ethic: Canadian agendas and provincial experience in Alberta
Learn to evaluate ethical assumptions in water policy, link current policy debates with broader obligations and conceptualize ethical discussions in light of historical claims.
(J. Schmidt, Department of Geography, University of Western Ontario)

Biodiversity and invasive plant species in the South Nation River watershed
Understand the importance of wetland and aquatic plants in rivers, gain an appreciation of the biodiversity of plants in Eastern Ontario and learn about invasive species and problems they may pose.
(R. Dalton, F. Pick, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa and C. Boutin, Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology, University of Ottawa and Science and Technology, Environment Canada)

Session 17:
Planning Together for the Rideau: Developing a Landscape Strategy
Learn to approach waterway planning from a landscape perspective, while engaging many players in a collaborative project and using a “values-based” planning approach.
(H. Thompson, Planner, Parks Canada Agency)

Extending the Voyageur Waterway
Obtain a better understanding of CHRS extension/amendment, an appreciation for challenges along US/Canada Border and an awareness of multi-agency cooperation.
(P. Hawley Cain, Curator, Fort Francis Museum)

Session 18:
The Bonnet Plume Canadian Heritage River and the role of its designation in the Peel Watershed Regional Planning Process
Analyze the relationship between heritage river status and local planning and development agendas and value the commitments that can be made under the CHRS designations. (B. Downie, Manager, Park Planning, Yukon Parks)

A Conservation Authority integrates urban agriculture: New Partners, New Crops, New ways of doing business
Manage economic/environmental risks through innovative lease arrangements encouraging agricultural stewardship reflective of the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan. Explore the use of public lands for community-based agriculture, supporting local food systems and social equity in communities.
(S. Dhir, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority)

Session 19:
Native freshwater mussels of the mighty Ottawa River: a unique fauna in Canada
Learn about the richness of the mussel fauna in Canada, the ecosystem function of mussels in river systems and their role as river ‘sentinels’ and how mussels could be used to protect the ecology of rivers in Canada.
(A. Martel, Canadian Museum of Nature)

Using macroinvertebrate communities to assess human impact on low-land tropical streams across a landscape gradient in Panama
Understand the differences and similarities between temperate and tropical streams, the environmental issues that tropical streams are facing and the use of macroinvertebrate communities in water quality assessments.
(J. Helson, University of Toronto, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology)

Session 20:
Canadian Geoheritage: Complexity of the Land over which our Rivers Flow
Learn to appreciate the relationship of rivers to their substrate, how to recognize ancient river systems and see the potential for geoheritage education in relation to rivers.
(J. Donaldson, Carleton University)

Application of Geomorphology in Watershed Restoration Planning: Sheridan Creek, Mississauga, Ontario
Learn about understanding past and potential changes for developing effective watershed management and restoration, simple geomorphic tools and their relevance to restoration planning and urbanized watershed restoration opportunity planning.
(P. Villard and J. Doucette, Geomorphic Solutions (A Member of The Sernas Group Inc.) and J. Thomas, Credit Valley Conservation)

Session 21:
Water Trails and River Stewardship: Planning After the Disaster
Learn about best practices for managing woody debris for navigation and habitat, plan for impacts of flooding on long-term riparian navigability and research historic river flow characteristics
(D. Lemberg, Department of Geography and J. Lewis, Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Western Michigan University)

Unity Communities along the St. John River: Experiences from a Collaborative Tourism Initiative
Identify the potential for projects founded on the fundamental tenets of collaboration, heritage and sustainability, while developing or repositioning projects based on the blueprint presented.
(C. Stacey, University of New Brunswick (Professor))

Delegates are invited to view conference posters during this break. Poster presenters will be available to discuss their projects and answer questions during this time.

Session 22:
The Cowichan Stewardship Approach – working together to sustain a living heritage
Think differently about potential working relationships between watershed residents, industry, First Nations and government, while appreciating the power and scope of grassroots, community driven processes in implementing real change in a watershed.
(K. Miller, Cowichan Valley Regional District, L. George, Cowichan Tribes and T. Rutherford, Living Rivers Trust Fund)

From Strategy to Action – Applying the New CHRS Strategic Plan in Nova Scotia
Learn to recognize the key components of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System Strategic Plan, then see yourself as an implementer of this national strategy with the benefits of having a strategic approach with common goals and objectives.
(P. Labor, Heritage River Planner – Nova Scotia Environment)

Session 23:
The Shared Path – A Collective Project
Reconcile history and social studies and use the environment to tell their story. Appreciate the challenges and opportunities that an urban river provides.
(L. Mallet, Société d’histoire de Toronto)

The Culture History of The South Saskatchewan River – A Dynamic Past
Learn about the need to protect the archaeological and cultural history of the South Saskatchewan River, while understanding the results of it achieving Heritage River Designation status.
(L. Mack, Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin)

Session 24:
Living Rivers Flow Through the National Museum
Learn about collection based research at the CMN (aquatic focus), the development of a CMN model of aquatic biodiversity monitoring and a national education program on the history of water in Canada.
(M. Graham, Director, Research Services, Canadian Museum of Nature)

Economic Valuation of the Canadian Heritage River System: Going Beyond the Tourism Statistics
Learn about the importance of economic information, while understanding what needs to be done, and appreciating the river manager’s role in gathering and using broad economic information.
(D. Georgescu, Parks Canada and P. Whiting, The Outspan Group Inc.)

This evening will be held in the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilization, along the bank of the Ottawa River.

Beginning with a cocktail reception in the impressive lobby of the museum, delegates will enjoy a delicious three course meal, followed by a presentation of four national river conservation awards. The evening will close with live musical entertainment and dancing.

Delegates are responsible for their own transportation to and from the event. The museum is approximately 2 kilometres from the Conference Centre, which is approximately a 25 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride.

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Youth in Action

In 1998, 6-year-old Ryan Hreljac was shocked to learn that children in Africa had to walk many kilometres every day just to fetch water, the most basic element for human survival. Deciding he needed to build a well for a village in Africa, Ryan raised the $70 necessary for the project by doing household chores and public speaking on clean water issues. Since this first well was built in a northern Ugandan village in 1999, Ryan’s efforts have contributed to a total of 461 wells in 16 developing countries bringing clean water services to 599,081 people.

Ryan will discuss his passion for water accessibility and conservation as well as the important leadership role youth can play in protecting and conserving water in Canada and around the world.

Workshop 1:

River Basin Governance – from Grassroots to Global
Facilitator:Don Pearson, General Manager, Conservation Ontario

Participants: Chantal Picard, Ministère du Développement durable de l’Environnement et des Parcs; Rob Messervey, Water Conservation Ontario; Carol Christensen, City of Ottawa; Nicole DesRoches, Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais; John Karau, Environment Canada; Dave Cassivi, City of Gatineau; and Bruce Reid, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority.

This interactive workshop will examine a wide range of governance models from varying perspectives. Guest speakers will discuss their mandate in river governance, their challenges and their successes.

Part 2, entitled Down in the Trenches, will focus on governance models from a municipal and non-government organization perspective.

Workshop 2:

Where do you fit in the Water Puzzle?
Facilitator: Ryan Hreljac

Join Ryan and his Youth Ambassadors in setting up your own action plan for your community. Identify the challenges of water stewardship, explore the issues that matter most to you and develop your own action plan. You can make a difference! Ideas, resources and strategies that have worked for Ryan and the Youth Ambassadors will be shared with participants interested in finding their piece of the puzzle.

Part 2, entitled You’ve found your Puzzle Piece: How to Make it Fit, will guide participants in implementing Ryan’s model to create their own action plan for addressing their identified issue.

Delegates are invited to view conference posters during this break. Poster presenters will be available to discuss their projects and answer questions during this time.