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CANCELLED—Deschênes Heritage by the River

CANCELLED—Deschênes Heritage by the River
Île Mary McConnell / Mary McConnell Island
Île Mary McConnell / Mary McConnell Island

Due to water levels in the Deschênes area, this walk has been cancelled. 

Note:  In light of predictions of rainfall and snowmelt, there may be flooding along the Ottawa River.   We will post an update closer to Jane's Walk Weekend when we know more about the water levels at that time.  Please check the website on or after Friday, May 3, to confirm whether flooding will prevent us from holding this walk. 

Deschênes, on the north bank of the Ottawa River beside the Deschênes Rapids, has witnessed the many stages of the region's history—portages by First Nations and European explorers, industries powered by flowing water, a nickel refinery, and the development of a mixed suburban residential environment. Green spaces and the river provide a beautiful natural setting. This walk will explore highlights of the past and present of this historic area, including the ruins of the old hydro dam and wildlife of riverside habitats.

This is a bilingual walk./Ceci est une visite guidée bilingue.

Location
Route

The route will mostly follow the bicycle path along the river to the west and east of the starting point. We will also visit part of the neighbourhood with its interesting mixed housing stock and an architecturally advanced housing project.

A CTV story on the ruins of the power dam has some nice video of the river starting around 00:35 to about 1:20, and again from 2:00 to 2:22.  Although the news story mentions the possibility of the ruins being demolished, no further action toward that has been taken and it seems the ruins will remain.

About the walk leader

Howard Powles is President of the Deschênes Residents' Association and for several years he has been working with historians, naturalists, residents,and municipal authorities to document and protect the natural and historical heritage of the neighbourhood.  We are very happy and proud to introduce visitors to our beautiful riverside area.

The Deschênes Residents' Association website can be found here. 

Guide:

Howard Powles

When:
Date:Sat May 4, 2019
Time:10:00 AM
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
Language: English
Where:
Start:South end of Vanier Road, \n parking lot by the river
End:same
Area:Deschênes, Aylmer sector, Gatineau
Distance:2.0 kms
Accessibility:

The route follows the paved cycle path, sidewalks, and streets.

Gallery
Île Mary McConnell / Mary McConnell Island Ruines d'un vieux barrage hydroélectrique/Ruins of the old hydroelectric dam
Volunteer to Marshal This Walk