1.1 Ottawa's Environmental Features From the City of Ottawa's perspective, we have the opportunity to influence many of the environments that each of us experiences daily. This includes the large geographic area of 2760 km2 that comprises the City. Also, as the nation's capital, we enjoy the benefits of having Canada's Parliament buildings, a range of wonderful museums, the National Arts Centre and National Gallery of Canada in our backyard. As we move to the landmarks and characteristics of the city's natural environment, the list is equally impressive. Residents and tourists alike treasure the Ottawa River as a major feature of our city. Historically, the Ottawa River provided an east-west trade route and a transportation system for logs. Now, the Ottawa River and its border of greenspace provides a respite for young and old, for those who wish to sit and gaze and think, to explore nature, as well as a place for more active pursuits like sailing, cycling, walking or training for the Olympics. This river also provides the drinking water for 723,000 residents in Ottawa through the City's water treatment service that provides some of the highest quality drinking water in Canada. Wildlife also thrive within the waters and along the vegetated shores of our rivers. When looking for a place to think and where one can appreciate the beauty of our rivers, a captive destination is Rideau Falls, where the Rideau River empties with a roar into the Ottawa River. Natural beauty and recreational opportunities also abound along the Rideau Canal and Rideau River that flow through our City. These systems provide a north-south water link for our City, support a majestic greenway corridor and represent a rich part of the early history of Ottawa. Both the Canal and the River attract thousands of residents and tourists each year. This provides a sense of vitality to our community. However, we must also take care of these systems to ensure their continued enjoyment. From the perspective of major river systems, our City is home to three watersheds - the South Nation to the east, the Rideau River Watershed dominates the central portion of the City, and the Mississippi River Watershed to the west. In all three cases, the watersheds extend beyond the City of Ottawa municipal boundaries. Within the Rideau and Mississippi River watersheds, the City supports the downstream portions of the rivers, prior to their flow into the Ottawa River. The South Nation River flows in a southeasterly direction with Ottawa's activities and land uses, impacting the quality of water flowing through our neighbouring communities downstream. Connected to the river systems and watersheds of our City is a network of other natural features including forest and wetlands. Map 1, Natural Landscapes in the City of Ottawa, shows the physical relationship between these natural features. Other greenspaces include meadows, parks and other areas of open space. Likely the most recognized feature of the greenspace network is Ottawa's Greenbelt as it borders a significant portion of the City's urban or developed area. The Greenbelt, established by the National Capital Commission through land acquisition beginning in the late 1950s, is a source of pride and accomplishment for residents and a marvel for visitors flying or driving into the City. Major natural environment areas include the South March Highlands, Marlborough Forest and Stony Swamp to the west, and as well as Mer Bleue and Petrie Island to the east. Approximately 28% of the City's land area is forested, the majority of which is located within the rural areas of the City. Almost 43%, or 1200 km2, of the City is greenspace, including these forests, natural environment areas, open spaces and more than 850 parks. A further 36% of our land supports agricultural activities. Next: 1.2 A Community Vision for Managing Growth: Ottawa 20/20 |
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