Rideau Valley Conservation Authority celebrates 60th anniversary

When it first came to be, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority operated in a very different era than today, but in a testament to its sustainable visions, it has stayed steadfast on its goals in an evolving climate.

The organization is celebrating its 60th anniversary after first coming together in January 1966. The province approved the creation of the authority several months later, on March 31. Representatives gathered at Tops Marina Motor Hotel in Smiths Falls to form a group to advocate for the region’s green spaces.

The City of Ottawa declared March 31 as RVCA Day to recognize how the authority plays a role in keeping green spaces accessible and providing a sustainable point of view for development.

“RVCA Day is a celebration of 60 years of partnership, stewardship, and community leadership,” Wilson Lo, Deputy Mayor and Barrhaven East Councillor, said in a press release. “We are proud of the collaborative spirit that has strengthened our watershed and grateful to the municipalities, volunteers and residents who continue to champion conservation across our region.”

The authority’s mandate is to protect people, property and the natural environment across the watershed, which spans 4,241 square kilometres and includes a large portion of the City of Ottawa. Since its inception, RVCA has worked with municipal and provincial officials to help bring programs and support healthy rivers, streams and lakes. It warns people of flooding and issues conservation measures when groundwater is drying up.

One of its main goals is protecting drinking water sources and directing development away from water, wetlands and floodplains.

“It’s a fitting testament to the lasting partnership the City and the RVCA have built while working together to protect people, property and natural resources across Ottawa and the Rideau watershed upstream,” RVCA General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson said.

While not advocating for a sustainable lens of building, staff are taking care of 11 public conservation areas that include dozens of kilometres of trails and public beaches. It gives the public access to the outdoors and provides outdoor education for schools and summer camps.

Through various programs, including the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation, it helps acquire land from private landowners to preserve it.

Recently, about 250 acres of land was protected through the work of multiple groups in the nation’s capital. This adds to the 2,986 acres of conservation lands the foundation has under its watch, and the 5,570 acres it and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority oversee. Most of the land has been donated by private landowners.

Wetlands are key in flood mitigation, act as natural carbon capture systems (like forests), provide valuable wildlife habitats, and are vital in water filtration.