Alayne McGregor
How can the Rideau Canal reach its full potential as an “outdoor paradise”? That’s the question Parks Canada is asking Canadians.
It’s released a draft management plan for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the section in Centretown, outlining how it will protect and present the canal as a recreational and cultural destination.
It envisions paddlers going through the canal locks, and offering trip planning tools and facilities such as docks, showers, and camping sites. It also proposes improving five lock stations and commemorating their history.
Until April 30, you can read the plan and submit comments at www.rideauplan.ca/home .
In its comments, Heritage Ottawa said it is concerned that this plan does not reach beyond a 30m buffer zone along the canal, resulting in “development that has had a negative impact on the Canal’s Outstanding Universal Values.”