Greater Cardinal Creek Subwatershed Study
Study Area Map jpeg – 893 KB
The City of Ottawa is conducting a subwatershed study in eastern Ottawa to provide guidance to the City and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority as they carry out their responsibilities for land use and resource management in the study area, and to serve as a resource to other government agencies, landowners, developers, stewardship organizations, and the general public. In addition to addressing the City’s planning responsibilities and requirements under the Official Plan, the study will fulfill Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Master Plan process.
The study area is located between Tenth Line Road and Dunning Road, and extends as far south as Regimbald Road. It includes the Cardinal Creek subwatershed and an adjacent unnamed subwatershed along the Ottawa River. This is a primarily rural area with farms and country estate subdivisions. It also includes a portion of the Village of Cumberland and some rapidly developing neighbourhoods within the urban area west of Cardinal Creek.
In preparation for this subwatershed study, several field studies were conducted in 2006, including an inventory of plants and wildlife, a fluvial geomorphic assessment of the creek channels, and an assessment of the creek flows and fish communities. Additional fieldwork was also undertaken in 2007 to investigate potential slope stability and erosion control issues in Cardinal Creek. The results of these studies, along with information derived from other sources, were summarized in the Greater Cardinal Creek Existing Conditions Report, which was completed in August 2009. The Existing Conditions Report provides the comprehensive baseline information necessary for the preparation of the Subwatershed Management Plan.
Communication is a key component of subwatershed planning. A study Advisory Committee led by the City has been established, representing the key public sector partners, including the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of the Environment.
Consultation with the landowners and general public is also an integral part of this study. In November 2007, the City hosted its first public open house to exchange information with local residents and landowners on the existing conditions within the study area, and to identify areas of interest and issues of concern. A second open house is anticipated for early 2012, at which the City will present and discuss the draft subwatershed plan, including possible goals, objectives and recommendations for management. The final Subwatershed Management Plan is expected to be completed in 2012.
Questions and comments regarding the study should be directed to:
Nicholas Stow
Planner III
Planning and Growth Management
Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
Phone: 613-580-2424, ext. 13000
Fax: 613-580-2459
E-mail: nick.stow@ottawa.ca