Government of Canada Announces New Paddle Access Point on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
More opportunities for paddlers to connect with nature and history during Canada 150
OTTAWA, June 3, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's national parks and historic sites belong to all Canadians and tell the stories of who we are. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our heritage along the Rideau Canal.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Minister responsible for Parks Canada and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Catherine McKenna, announced a new paddle access point on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site at Waverley Street. Minister McKenna hosted a community paddle to celebrate the launch of the newest and third paddle access point in the heart of Canada's capital.
Paddle access point ensure safe and easy access to the Rideau Canal for paddlers and their canoes, kayaks and paddle-boards, allowing community members and visitors to enjoy the history and beauty of this national treasure. This new paddle access point at Waverley Street is an extension of the very successful pilot project that began with the installation of paddle access points at Clegg Avenue and Patterson Creek last year, and is an example of Parks Canada's commitment to continually improving experiences for visitors to its natural and cultural heritage sites.
In addition, the Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas in 2017 to celebrate Canada 150, and this includes free lockage fees for all boaters. Just as admission fees give visitors access to the wonders of Parks Canada places, lockage fees give boaters access to our historic waterways. Whether walking, paddling, cycling, or boating, the Rideau Canal is a great place to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in Ottawa.
Quote
"I am thrilled to announce the installation of a new paddle access point in Ottawa Centre along the Rideau Canal. Adding another access point makes it easier and safer for Canadians to enjoy the natural beauty of this important National Historic Site as we celebrate Canada150."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre
Quick facts
- In 2016, Minister McKenna announced two new paddle access points for paddle boards, canoes and kayaks at Clegg Avenue and Patterson Creek as part of an initial pilot project along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.
- Similar to the first two sites, the Waverley Street access point will be for use by paddlers only and available during the regular navigation season for the Rideau Canal from May 26 to October 9, 2017.
- This year will be the Rideau Canal's 185th navigation season and will mark the 10th anniversary of its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
- With over a million visitors to the Rideau Canal each year, the Rideau Canal is one of the most visited national historic sites in Canada and one of Eastern Ontario's top attractions. This includes over 50,000 boats each year and over 80,000 cyclists who use its pathways each month during the summer season.
Associated links
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
SOURCE Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)
For further information: Marie-Pascale Des Rosiers, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 613-462-5473, [email protected]; Media Relations, Parks Canada, 855-862-1812, [email protected]
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