The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority along with the Environment Committee of Ottawa South have been putting their heads together on an exciting neighborhood initiative – to connect the man-made former swimming pond in Brewer Park with the natural Rideau River.
It would be the first time these water bodies have been joined in over 50 years!
The project would allow a channel to be cut on the east-side of the pond allowing the free flow of water from the main Rideau River.
Several ecological benefits have already been identified by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority:
| a) | Allow fish species year round access in and out of the pond to the Rideau River. |
| b) | Eliminate the potential for fish kills as a result of the occurrences of anoxic conditions in the pond in the winter and summer months. |
| c) | Altering elevations to create conditions suitable for more diverse submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation in the pond. |
| d) | Creation of new functional spawning, nursery, rearing and food supply habitat in the restored wetland feature for the fish community residing in the adjacent reach of the Rideau River. |
| e) | Providing new and enhanced winter and summer refuge areas for fish. |
| f) | Increased biodiversity. |
| g) | improved water quality for the Rideau River as a result of the wetland enhancement. |
(Photo showing how Brewer Park Pond as it appeared in 1950)
(Photo showing how Brewer Park Pond appears now)
I can just imagine hauling-in a 20 pound muskie from Brewer Park Pond….sounds like a dream come true!
Come out this weekend for an Information Session on the project – Saturday from 3:15 to 5 pm, Main Hall Ottawa South Community Centre, 260 Sunnyside Avenue (in Old Ottawa South)
For more information: http://www.rvca.ca/brewerpark/index.html
Outdoorsguy