Canada's New Government contributes to ecologically significant lands along the Rideau

June 07, 2007

Township of Rideau Lakes - On behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds-Grenville, highlighted the federal government's contribution of $50,000 towards the acquisition of land at Rock Dunder along the Rideau corridor.

"The Rideau Canal, and the lands along its shores, are defining features of Eastern Ontario and important components of the area's ecosystem," said Brown. "Canada's New Government is pleased to have contributed to the purchase of Rock Dunder, so these ecologically significant lands will be protected for future generations."

Parks Canada contributed $50K, of the total $170K, to the Rideau Waterway Land Trust (RWLT) for the purchase of Rock Dunder from the Boy Scouts of Canada. The purchase of this land will help ensure long-term protection of this significant ecological area, located within the greater ecosystem of the St. Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada, the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada corridor. The Rideau Waterway Land Trust was incorporated in 1996 as a non-profit, community-based organization with charitable status and a mandate to conserve lands of natural, aesthetic or historic values in the Rideau Corridor, which is congruent with the greater park ecosystem.

The Rock Dunder property consists of 238 acres and over 2.1 kilometres of natural shoreline. As an important part of this greater park ecosystem, Rock Dunder's acquisition and permanent protection will provide inspiration to others contemplating the protection of other special places. In 1983, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources designated Rock Dunder as a provincially significant life science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The Township of Rideau Lakes has also identified the site as a natural heritage area in its Official Plan and Zoning By-law.

"Canada's New Government recognizes the importance of protecting heritage landscapes and their ecological values. We are excited to work with the Rideau Waterway Land Trust in achieving this mutual objective," concluded Brown.

Designated a national historic site of Canada in 1925, the Rideau Canal is in its 175th year of navigation. Parks Canada, along with the Friends of the Rideau, have planned a year full of colour and activity to showcase this national treasure to visitors from around the world and to create pride for local residents and Canadians alike. Throughout this year, Parks Canada and its many partners along the Rideau corridor will celebrate this impressive milestone by hosting community events, launching new programs and creating a variety of activities in honour of the Rideau Canal and its impressive history.