River Gatineau
Photo credit: Ali Kazal – Unsplash
Adopt the Gatineau River to:
- To protect against rapids and falls
- For better quality water
Your contribution allows our team to continue to protect Quebec's rivers.
Gatineau River is Cetakatin for the Anichinabe people of Kitigan Zibi, referring to the great distance they have to travel to get from the mountains to the forest.
For the Abénaquis, the Gatineau River is called Madôbadzoak "wrinkled river", not because of its age, but rather because of its many rapids - a real pleasure for white-water enthusiasts! The Gatineau is no older than any other river, but it has been through a lot: the forestry industry and hydroelectric production have profoundly altered its natural appearance.
Do you know the Gatineau River?
Name Anichinabé
Cetakatin (meaning river from the mountain to the woods, to the forest)
Name Abenaki
Madôbadzoak (“at the wrinkled river”)
Length
443km
Source
Sugar Loaf Lake
Region
Laurentians, Outaouais
23,724 km2
Total elevation
366m
Average flow
363 m3/s (at Rapides-Farmer)
A powerful river… powered by electricity
The Gatineau River is recognized for its widening called the Baskatong reservoir. It is a magnificent place to enjoy the outdoors, but it has a completely different purpose: its creation stems from the construction of the Mercier dam almost 100 years ago, used to supply water to the Rapides Farmers hydroelectric power stations. , Chelsea and Paugan. Thanks to its power, the Gatineau River serves as a significant energy source. Moreover, the Île du Corbeau Falls and the Rapides des Cèdres were spared from a hydroelectric power station construction project in 2001 thanks to Operation Adopt a River!
White water at the heart of a festival
Every year since 1997, the Haute-Gatineau Whitewater Festival brings together hundreds of paddlers in Maniwaki. The event was born with the intention of introducing people to the joys of white water in this section of the Gatineau River, as well as in response to the project to build a private hydroelectric power station in this location in order to raise community awareness. local and that of payers and paddlers. Today, this festival allows both beginners and experienced people to enjoy the joys of the Gatineau, whether by kayak, canoe or rafting! Since it is a festival dedicated to the preservation of rivers, the profits are donated to organizations with a similar mission, including Fondation Rivières.
Photo credit: Pascal Girard, Haute-Gatineau Whitewater Festival
What are the environmental issues of the Gatineau River?
Sustainability of natural character
Like many rivers in Quebec, the Gatineau River is no exception to the threats caused by anthropogenic pressures. The accelerated development of the 10 municipalities that border it combined with the growth of recreational activities, such as boating, contributes to affecting the natural character of this river.
Dams on the Gatineau River?
In March 2024, we learned that two projects for new run-of-river dams relaunched on the Gatineau RiverThis is despite the victories 20 years ago to prevent the construction of such dams, which would have destroyed 24 iconic waterfalls. Evolugen/Brookfield plans to build two power plants on the Gatineau River at Grand-Remous and Maniwaki, securing a commercial agreement with Hydro-Québec and partnering with the Kitigan Zibi Band Council for these private dam projects. Royalties are promised to the communities. Behind closed doors, several meetings have already taken place to discuss hydroelectric projects with regional authorities.
Based on information on past projects, the Maniwaki project would target the Cedar rapid, and the second the Grand-Remous rapid, which would be built on the site of the Chute de la Montagne. We shouldn't rule out harnessing the Saint-Joseph rapid near Aumond, which has already been included in the plans and would enable installations of up to 100 MW. It is not possible at present to confirm information on these projects, which are still at a preliminary stage.
Local elected officials fear negative impacts on recreational and tourism development on the Gatineau River. The Gatineau River Whitewater Festival was created 20 years ago in the wake of the victory against dam construction.
Water quality
Monitoring of the water quality of the Gatineau River in recent years has shown that it was of good quality, and that it had even improved in the last 10 years. The water is therefore suitable for water activities and swimming.
Propose improvements to wastewater treatment systems
The organization Garde-rivière des Outaouais – Ottawa Riverkeeper asked the Fondation Rivières to evaluate the performance of municipal sanitation systems located in five Watershed feeding the Ottawa River, mainly on the Gatineau, Lièvre and Nord rivers. Thanks to this analysis carried out in 2021, the Garde-rivière des Outaouais organization will be better equipped to raise awareness among elected officials of wastewater issues and to support them in implementing solutions!
Raise awareness among the public and elected officials about wastewater spills
Since 2020, the Fondation Rivières has released the list of municipalities that stand out in terms of the intensity of their wastewater discharges into waterways, including the Gatineau River. This exercise makes it possible to distinguish municipalities which have improved their situation in previous years from those where the situation has deteriorated. THE prize list serves as a lever to encourage elected officials to make the necessary corrections to improve the health of the rivers into which wastewater is discharged.
Landslides
The rise in water levels, caused by the presence of hydroelectric dams along the Gatineau River, is causing landslides on the banks of the river, particularly along the Baskatong reservoir. It is a phenomenon particularly present in the Gatineau region, particularly due to the clayey nature of the earth which caused slippage. Other landslides of a more rocky nature have also been noted in this sector, caused in particular by the erosive action of the drainage network. These landslides have an effect on water quality, since they carry with them a certain quantity of suspended matter which is likely to contaminate the Gatineau River.
Photo credit: Jonathan Samson, Pascal Girard, Bust it Away Photography
Can you swim in the Gatineau River?
Although the water quality generally allows swimming, the Gatineau River does not have any free and public access for swimming, particularly due to the strong current which can pose safety problems. However, the citizens of Chelsea are conducting a public consultation to demand access to swimming on seven sites in the municipality bordering the Gatineau River.
Help us by adopting the Gatineau River
The Fondation Rivières is mobilizing on this river to:
- To protect against rapids and falls
- For better quality water
Donate and join an important mobilization movement!
Charity receipt
Fondation Rivières issues tax-deductible donation receipts, regardless of the amount. A receipt will be sent to you by email at the beginning of the year following the year of your adoption.
Organizations involved in the Gatineau River
The Gatineau River was adopted by:
