
River Kipawa
Photo credit : Guillaume Rivest/Karavaniers
Adopt the Kipawa River to:
- To preserve its natural character, its flow and the beauty of its Grande Chute!
Your contribution allows us to continue to protect Quebec's rivers
The Kipawa River extends among the conifers and the large, untamed spaces of Témiscamingue. Far from major centers, Kipawa is worth it: you have to spend 7 hours driving from Montreal and 10 hours from Quebec to reach it! It is an untouched, even wild beauty, which unfolds before the eyes of anyone who dares to venture there.
Do you know the Kipawa River?
Name Abenaqui
Kipawa or Kebawek Sipi (“closed river”)
Length
301km
Source
Lake Dumoine
Region
Abitibi-Témiscamingue
5,977 km2
La Kipawa, Opémican Park and its Grande Chute
The Kipawa River winds its way around the Opémican National Park, inaugurated in 2018, before flowing into Lake Témiscamingue. This SÉPAQ park has three sectors, including Rivière-Kipawa, accessible from Laniel. You can paddle there on the river and Lake Kipawa and above all, admire its Grande Chute.
Lake Kipawa: a reservoir and its dams
The Kipawa River runs through the lake of the same name, which is actually a reservoir managed by the Water expertise center. Two dams allow the level to be raised and lowered – by an average of 2 m per year – according to hydroelectric needs on the Ottawa River. These are the Kipawa dam, whose water flows towards Gordon Creek, and the Laniel dam, where the water escapes towards the Kipawa River… and its Grande Chute in Opémican National Park!
Photo credit : Guillaume Rivest/Karavaniers
What are the environmental issues?
Construction of small hydroelectric plants
The Kipawa River is targeted by the Onimiki small hydro project. The envisaged potential of 67 MW of power pales in comparison to that which could be provided by other energy sources. The promoters of the Onimiki project had decided to report The project was shelved in 2022, but came back on the agenda in March 2024 with the submission of a proposal to build two power plants at a cost of $475 million. At present, Onimiki acknowledges that the project could have an impact on the river's flow, and therefore on its natural character and recreational use. The promoters claim to be able to mitigate their impact, but concerns remain for many Temiscamingue citizens, who deplore the lack of transparency on the part of the promoters, including the MRC, which is failing in its duty to ensure social acceptability. The Organisme de bassin versant du Témiscamingue (OBVT) is concerned about the impact of reducing the flow of the Kipawa River through Parc Opémican. This hydroelectric project is currently undergoing environmental assessment.
Call on the government to protect the last wild rivers from dams
The Fondation Rivières was contacted by a member of the Friends of the Kipawa River to study the Onimiki file and its impacts on the Kipawa River and Gordon Creek. Considering the postponement of the project, the Foundation wishes to assemble the environmental criteria that Hydro-Québec's calls for tenders should include.
Then, just as for the Magpie Riverthe Foundation defends Kipawa on a "macro" level through awareness campaignsanalyses, recommendations and briefs (The Roman, 11th fall of the Mistassini River, Val Jalbert, etc.).
Since the release of the documentary After the Roman, Fondation Rivières and collaborators united for encourage the government to implement the energy transition in compliance with last wild rivers.
Sustainability of natural character
Aside from the potential construction of hydroelectric plants, the region near the Kipawa River remains relatively untouched by industrial development, with the exception of logging projects and the Zeus rare earth mining project (essential elements for new technologies). . As for real estate development, the increase in the number of residences implies more activities on the rivers, including the artificialization of riparian strips and the installation of septic tanks. Note that development must be done in consultation with indigenous communities such as the communities of Eagle Village and Wolf Lake which “ consider it necessary to issue prior and informed consent before any developments ". In short, it is important to share uses for the benefit of the environment and with respect for indigenous communities.
Photo credit :Guillaume Rivest/Karavaniers and Mathieu Dupuis SÉPAQ
Can you swim in the Kipawa River?
According to Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue, there are several swimming spots on its suggested canoe or kayak navigation routes. On the South Kipawa paddle-course, we find the beach of La Tortue Island in Chenal Bélanger and that of the sandy point of Chenal Bélanger on La Tortue Island. The one from Lac des Loups to Lac Sairs offers six swimming access points: the sand point on the west shore of Lake Sairs, the beach on Amazonite Island, the long beach at the point of the Kipawa River, the east and west beaches of the island central and the mini beach!
Help us by adopting the Kipawa River
The Fondation Rivières is mobilizing on this river to:
- To preserve its natural character, its flow and the beauty of its Grande Chute!
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 field
As well as Friends of the Kipawa River and the Association of Residents of Tee and Mill Lakes
The Kipawa River was adopted by:
Sources
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