Monthly Archive

Part of Chapman Mills trail to close for bridge replacement

BARRHAVEN, Sept. 27, 2022 – A section of trail at Chapman Mills Conservation Area will close on Monday, Oct. 3 so crews can install a new, state-of-the-art accessible pedestrian bridge this fall.

The current wooden bridge near the northern trailhead of Barrhaven’s most beloved boardwalk has reached the end of its life cycle. Thanks to local donors, several significant grants and support from the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF), the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has secured the funding to do the work. 

The trail will be closed on either side of the bridge for about six weeks. Visitors can still access the docks and picnic shelter from Winding Way Ave. Most of the trail will remain accessible from the southern trail connection beside Vimy Memorial Bridge. 

“This is a really exciting project that will improve accessibility and safety at one of our busiest properties,” said Chelsey Ellis, RVCA’s conservation lands manager. “We know the closure will be inconvenient in the short term, but it’ll be worth it.” 

The current bridge has several accessibility issues: it’s not wide enough for two people with wheelchairs or strollers to pass, for example, leaving one person to back up beside the path’s steep shorelines. The narrow bridge also led to temporary park closures in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic because adequate physical distancing couldn’t be maintained – leaving many local residents without their go-to nature escape just when they needed it most. 

RVCA staff worked with the RVCF and local accessibility consultant Marnie Peters to ensure the new bridge is built to the gold standard of accessibility – not just the legislated minimums. This includes a wider deck, more gradual slopes, accessible sight lines and longer ramps.

“It’s critical that this urban oasis be as accessible as possible for the local community,” Ellis said. “It’s close to two large seniors’ residences and is located in the middle of a family-friendly suburb. It was time to get this done.”

Individuals can still donate to the bridge project directly at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/73114.

To learn more visit www.rvcf.ca/ways-to-give/chapman-mills-accessible-bridge or contact Chelsey Ellis at .

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Seeking new Chair for Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee

MISSISSIPPI AND RIDEAU WATERSHEDS, September 22, 2022 — The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking a dedicated new Chairperson to lead the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee.

Under the Clean Water Act of 2006, 19 local watershed-based source protection committees have been established across the province. These committees include representatives from local watershed stakeholders such as municipalities, agricultural groups, landowners, industry, environmental organizations and the public at large. As outlined in the legislation, the Minister is responsible for appointing a Chair to each of these committees.

Each committee, under the leadership and guidance of their Chair, is responsible for upholding and implementing the source protection plans that have been developed to protect municipal drinking water systems across Ontario, as well as their terms of reference and assessment reports. Chairs play an important role in guiding their committees in reporting on implementation of these plans and ensuring they remain relevant through future updates.

“If you have leadership experience and an interest in protecting drinking water sources, we encourage you to apply,” said Marika Livingston, Mississippi-Rideau Source Water Protection Project Manager. “We are proud of the work that has been done to ensure our region has a strong safety net to protect our drinking water, but there is more work to be done. We need a leader willing to guide and support our committee as we work though some major program updates and changes.” 

Among other qualifications, the Chair position requires a multi-year commitment, an ability to understand scientific and technical reports and attendance at the several Source Protection Committee meetings held each year. Applicants must also live or work in the Mississippi or Rideau watersheds.

Further details regarding this part-time position, including descriptions of roles and responsibilities and an application form, are available online at https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Advertisement/750.  A small per diem as well as expenses (mileage and meals) will be paid while working on Source Protection business. 

Applications will be accepted until October 3, 2022. 

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Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Source Protection Authorities
Marika Livingston, Project Manager
3889 Rideau Valley Drive, PO Box 599
Manotick ON  K4M 1A5
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1148

Fall in love with Fall at Foley Mountain

WESTPORT, Sept. 20, 2022 – Cooler nights and shorter days are once again painting our forests the vibrant reds and golds that can only mean one thing: Fall has arrived. 

And what better place to embrace your autumnal awe than at Foley Mountain Conservation Area in Westport? With stunning views from Spy Rock Lookout as well as 10 kilometres of trails through forests and wetlands, visitors have endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the season’s wonder.

But as the park’s busiest season ramps up, visitors are wise to plan ahead. To avoid big crowds and make the most of your trip, consider: 

• Choosing an off-peak time, like weekdays or early mornings
• Parking further down the park road and hiking back to Spy Rock. The colours are worth it!
• Bringing change for the parking machine, or purchasing ahead with code 5204 on paybyphone.com
• Planning to spend the day and explore the entire park – even some of the more remote trails.

“This is such a spectacular time of year to be outdoors, especially in a forest like ours,” said Foley Mountain site supervisor Rebecca Whitman. “We are thrilled to see a renewed interest in getting outside and embracing nature, but it does mean visitors need to be more prepared during busy times of the year.”

Whitman recommended trying trails beyond the Spy Rock lookout to get your fall colour fix.  The Orange Maple Trail, for example, starts at the interpretive centre and offers a spectacular show in the fall with its many towering maple, ash and poplar trees along its 2.3 km loop. Hikers can even follow it back to Spy Rock for a peek at the views before they head home. 

The White Pine Trail is a great option for hikers looking for more of a challenge. Parking at the group camping site, they can connect to White Pine using the Blue Trail. From there, they’ll find towering white pines and stunted oak trees high on the ridge, mixed with excellent fall foliage as they pick their way back down the mountain.

"It's a beautiful part of the park to go into," said Whitman.

Foley's colours usually peak around Thanksgiving, give or take a week.  Please bring a mask for crowded areas and follow all directional signage on the trails. If you are feeling ill or have been told to isolate, please stay home.

For more information about visiting Foley Mountain in the fall visit www.rvca.ca/foley-fall-colours or email . You can also follow us on Facebook at @FoleyMountain or @RideauValleyConservationAuthority. You can also follow @RideauValleyCA on Twitter and Instagram.

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Van Gaal Drain Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Update - Public Consultation and Open House

OTTAWA, September 14, 2022 – The RVCA is concluding work updating floodplain mapping along the realigned portion of the Van Gaal Drain in the Village of Richmond.

Members of the public are invited to review the draft regulation and hazard maps during the public consultation period between September 12 to October 14, 2022. Draft mapping is available online at www.rvca.ca/vangaal and members of the public can connect with an RVCA Resource Specialist to understand how the mapping may affect their property. RVCA Resource Specialists can be reached by email () or phone (613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193).

A public open house will also take place on October 5, 2022 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre (6095 Perth Street, Richmond).  

The new mapping shows areas that are subject to natural hazards such as flooding and unstable slopes. The mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating its Official Plans and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning Act. RVCA will also use the mapping to guide the review of development applications submitted under the RVCA’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

The goal of this mapping is to help ensure that sound planning decisions are made — keeping people and property safe.

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