May 3, 2018, RIDEAU WATERSHED — RVCA welcomed 17 new faces to its conservation family on April 30, 2018 thanks to special federal and provincial funding.

"We are grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm that our local youth bring to support our conservation authority work," said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. "We are also thankful for the special federal and provincial funding that makes it possible."

Canada Summer Jobs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Summer Experience Program help cover costs for student positions that include camp counselors/life guards, stewardship labourers, park technicians, water resource technicians and regulations assistants.

Many of the students are from the watershed community including Barrhaven, Dunrobin, Kemptville, Lanark, North Gower, Perth, Richmond and Stittsville. Most students work a full four months prior to returning to their ongoing studies. 

“We strive to provide meaningful and valuable work experience that will help our youth with future employment,” said Casgrain-Robertson noting that the experience is also rewarding for staff who help mentor and work closely with the students throughout their work experience.