\u201cRVCA Day is a celebration of 60 years of partnership, stewardship, and community leadership,\u201d Wilson Lo, Deputy Mayor and Barrhaven East Councillor, said in a press release. \u201cWe are proud of the collaborative spirit that has strengthened our watershed and grateful to the municipalities, volunteers and residents who continue to champion conservation across our region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The authority\u2019s mandate is to protect people, property and the natural environment across the watershed, which spans 4,241 square kilometres<\/a> and includes a large portion of the City of Ottawa. Since its inception, RVCA has worked with municipal and provincial officials to help bring programs and support healthy rivers, streams and lakes. It warns people of flooding and issues conservation measures when groundwater is drying up.<\/p>\n One of its main goals is protecting drinking water sources and directing development away from water, wetlands and floodplains. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a fitting testament to the lasting partnership the City and the RVCA have built while working together to protect people, property and natural resources across Ottawa and the Rideau watershed upstream,\u201d RVCA General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson said.<\/p>\n While not advocating for a sustainable lens of building, staff are taking care of 11 public conservation areas that include dozens of kilometres of trails and public beaches. It gives the public access to the outdoors and provides outdoor education for schools and summer camps.<\/p>\n Through various programs, including the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation<\/a>, it helps acquire land from private landowners to preserve it. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Procl_4-cropped-1024x621.jpg\")
(Left) RVCA General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson and RVCA Chair Gary Waterfield were presented with a proclamation by councillors Wilson Lo and Theresa Kavanagh. (RVCA) <\/p>\n