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WASH/WAKE ON THE RIDEAU CANAL
Proposed Action Plan
It has been a number of months since we requested your input regarding
excessive wake and speed along the Rideau Canal. However, as a result of
information collected, Parks Canada has developed an action plan intended
to improve public safety, and reduce risk to property and erosion of
shorelines. The plan incorporates education and enforcement including such
activities as noted below.
Mary Ann Stienberg
Visitor Services Specialist
Communication
- With the use of print media, posters, letters, radio and personal interactions, Parks Canada will alert boaters to the issues regarding excessive speed and/or wake and enlist their support in creating a
harmonious and safe boating environment. It is not our intention to curb or infringe on users right to enjoy the waterway however they choose to – providing it does not create unsafe situations or risk damage to persons, property, wildlife or the natural environment.
Education
- Enhanced boater education programs (personal and non-personal) in partnership with the Canadian Power Squadron, Ontario Marina Operators Association, Ottawa and Ontario Provincial Police, and Parks Canada
- Develop (or contribute to) a communication strategy to encourage contractors and those building/developing along the waterway shores to incorporate natural shoreline stabilization design,
- Educational signage to be posted at key locations along the waterway including public boat launches and marinas
- Develop an educational initiative with realtors to educate new shoreline owners on issues related to wash and wake
Signage
- Improve signage in existing “No Wake” and “Speed Limit” zones.
Enforcement
- Additional Police presence (Parks Canada employees have limited enforcement capability)
- Parks Canada employees play an active role in compliance/education
- Repeat offenders (excessive wake, speed) will risk losing their locking privileges.
Research
- Shoreline vulnerability research to focus on shoreline north of Burritts Rapids
Regulatory Changes
- Review/revision of Historic Canals Regulations ensuring protection of cultural and natural resources
- Consideration and investigation of need for extended or additional speed limit or no wake zones along the waterway, particularly in the narrow stretches of river north of the 416 bridge
- Consultation with Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada specialists
Communications
- On-going consultation with boaters, shoreline residents and stakeholders Involve print and radio media to communicate our messages and intentions
- Messaging on Parks Canada website and partner web sites
- Parks Canada employees will be fully involved in the Boating Safely Campaign and in communicating all aspects of the campaign to the public
Comments or questions about these proposals can be sent by e-mail to rideau.comments@pc.gc.ca, by fax to 613-283-0677 or by regular mail to:
Parks Canada, Rideau Canal Office
34 Beckwith Street South
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2A8
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Comments: send me email: Ken Watson