HSO October Meeting: Ottawa Shaped by Its River

In October the Historical Society of Ottawa meeting welcomes Ottawa River Keeper Meredith Brown on the topic Ottawa Shaped by Its River.

The Ottawa River has quenched our thirst, shaped our history and continues to provide energy, connect and sustain our communities. Unfortunately, the fishery can no longer sustain us, and the chemicals we pour down our drains are turning up in our drinking water. We are forgetting how water shapes us, and how we shape it in return. Learn how pollution in the Ottawa River has influenced national water laws and why our national treasure has yet to be designated a Canadian Heritage River.

As the Ottawa Riverkeeper, Meredith Brown is a strong, independent voice for the Ottawa River, and an advocate for improved water protection in Canada. Since 2004, she has significantly raised the profile of the Ottawa River, and brought important issues such as sewage dumping and radioactive waste to the attention of the public and decision­makers. The Riverkeeper is regularly called on to comment on issues that affect the river, and to provide insightful solutions and recommendations to improve the health and future of the Ottawa River. Meredith holds biology and environmental engineering degrees from Queen's University and the University of Guelph. She also earned a Master's in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University, with an emphasis on water management and public policy. Meredith's leadership and collaborative approach has brought excellent results, and has connected key players throughout the watershed. Meredith organized the first ever Ottawa River Summit that brought Mayors, First Nation Chiefs, and key agency players together to address the future of the Ottawa River. Meredith sits on many advisory committees around the watershed and was recently named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

The date is 30 October at 1pm. As usual, the location is the Routhier Community Centre, 172 Gigues Ave, Ottawa. Further information on the Society and its activities is at http://hsottawa.ncf.ca. Everyone welcome.