La Fondation Rivières -logo blanc
Donate
Search
Close this search box.

A big descent of the Petite Nation River to demand equitable sharing of water

Rivière Petite Nation

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saint-André-Avellin, June 9, 2022 – A mobilization bringing together municipalities, tourism industry players, riverside residents, canoeists and kayakers was held today to demand equitable sharing of water in the river region Little Nation. Around thirty participants are concerned about the low flow of the Petite Nation River and the lack of domestic water in summer in the regional county municipality (MRC) of Papineau and are demanding ministerial intervention. In a gesture of solidarity, they made a big trip down the river. 

A minimum flow rate claimed

Due to the low flow, the Route bleue project on this river, developed by Canot Kayak Québec, is in danger. The Blue Route aims to “create an enriching ecotourism experience, using safe, easily accessible paddling routes, all in an eco-responsible setting,” we can read on their website. 

On the side of the Outaouais Society for Nature and Parks (SNAP), we are concerned about the impacts on ecosystems that low water levels could cause.

The participants are demanding an interim measure providing for a minimum reserved flow of 15 m3/s until an independent study, another wish expressed by the group, is completed. This is the minimum allowing for safe recreational use, according to the president of the Outaouais Canoe Camping and Whitewater Club Pierre Radisson, Jean-François Venne and co-organizer of the mobilization event. 

“We pride ourselves on having abundant water in Quebec, but that is not true everywhere. Here, the resource becomes scarce in the summer and we must rethink the sharing of its use across the watershed,” indicates the director of Fondation Rivières, André Bélanger. 

A lack of domestic water 

Citizens of Saint-André-Avellin lack water for domestic use at times during the summer. “We are among those who no longer have water and who see the banks falling visibly,” testifies the co-organizer of the demonstration, Roch Parent, supported by the spokesperson for the Local Residents’ Organization. , Dominique Simard. 

Quebec must be an arbiter for the equitable sharing of water

Until now, the management of the dam by the municipality of Lac-Simon, upstream, was seen as the primary source of the low water problem in the river. An independent study on the ecological flow that must be reserved for the Petite Nation River is necessary to ensure the equitable sharing of water between the users of Lac Simon and the riverside residents. 

Following unsuccessful discussions with Lac-Simon on the management of the dam, the group turned to the MP for Papineau and Minister of Outaouais, Mathieu Lacombe, to intervene in the matter. “There are solutions on the table. The solution must allow everyone, both those above and those below, to benefit from the banks. Doing nothing would mean that the people below are less important than those above,” explains the mayor of Saint-André-Avellin, Jean-René Carrière. The mayors of Duhamel, Papineauville and Chénéville, as well as municipal councilors from Ripon also joined the mobilization. 

MP Mathieu Lacombe and the mayor of Lac-Simon did not respond to our invitation to participate in the event. The municipality of Lac-Simon has always maintained that it complies with the Dam Safety Act. Minister Lacombe's office indicates that it is up to the MRC of Papineau to resolve this matter. Only the MP for Québec Solidaire, Marie-Claude Latourelle, was present to demonstrate her support for the neighboring municipalities. 

The Regional Wetland and Water Environment Plan (PRMHH) of the MRC of Papineau must be submitted in the coming months, but no conservation measures would be planned for the Petite Nation River. 

Historical context 

The flow of the Petite Nation River has experienced marked variations during the summer period for many years, according to data from the hydraulic station located in Ripon. In the last ten years, periods of low water have been observed in summer: in 2020, 109 days were recorded during which the river flowed at less than 15 m3/s, between June and September. 

About the Outaouais Pierre Radisson Canoe Camping and Whitewater Club

Based in Gatineau, the Pierre Radisson Canoe-Camping Club is a non-profit organization formed in 1977, whose objective is to bring together canoe-camping enthusiasts from the Outaouais region. Its members seek to share an exceptional canoe-camping experience in a team spirit while promoting the learning of canoeing and camping techniques, while respecting nature and the environment.

About Fondation Rivières 

For 20 years, Fondation Rivières has worked to preserve, restore and enhance the natural character of rivers and contributes to ensuring water quality and access to water for the Quebec population. 

Signatories:

  • Pierre Radisson Outaouais Canoe Camping and Whitewater Club
  • Les Portageurs Canoe Camping and Whitewater Club
  • Canoe Kayak Quebec 
  • Eau Vive Quebec
  • Fondation Rivières 
  • Society for Nature and Parks – Ottawa Valley section
  • Organization of residents of the Petite Nation

– 30 –

Visuals: https://bit.ly/3O0467N

Source :

Jean-François Venne
President of the Outaouais Canoe Camping and Whitewater Club Pierre Radisson
(613) 408-4179
jeanfrancoisvenne1@gmail.com

Sophie Lachance
Project manager for communications and mobilization 
Fondation Rivières
514-272-2666, ext. 307
communications@fondationrivieres.org

Photo: Stéphanie Beauregard

Labels

Our recent press releases

To go further

Contribute to the protection of Quebec’s rivers

In addition to supporting our team in protecting rivers, your donation entitles you to a charitable tax receipt.

Make a difference for the environment

Become a member of the Foundation by donating. Your contribution allows our team to continue to mobilize to protect Quebec's rivers and waterways for future generations. 

Do you have a question?

Follow us

Our charity number : 14505 9911 RR0002

Stay informed of our actions to protect Quebec's rivers