Minister Prentice Announces Creation of the Water Management Advisory Council
for the Trent-Severn Waterway

PETERBOROUGH, ON, March 9 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the creation and membership of the Trent-Severn Water Management Advisory Council. The establishment of the Council is part of the Government's Action Plan for the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway announced on September 25, 2009.

"I am pleased to announce the creation of a Water Management Advisory Council for the Trent Severn Waterway," said Minister Prentice. "It is a pleasure to welcome these dedicated individuals representing a range of organizations with an interest in water management to participate in the important work of developing a shared vision for a balanced approach for water management."

In response to a motion that received unanimous consent in the House of Commons, an independent review Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway was asked to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Waterway's potential reflecting the value of this economic generator in the heartland of Ontario. In April 2008, the Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway submitted a report to the Minister of the Environment entitled "It's All About the Water", outlining recommendations for the future of the Waterway. In reply to this report the Government of Canada created a Water Management Advisory Council as one part of its Action Plan.

The Water Management Advisory Council will provide expert and stakeholder advice to Parks Canada on how to best carry out its responsibilities for water management throughout the Trent and Severn River watersheds. Members of the council will review water management policies, provide advice on issues and develop a shared vision for the balanced approach for the management of the two river watersheds. This Advisory Council will also contribute to a more transparent decision-making process regarding water allocation decisions.

The Water Management Advisory Council will include the following community members:

    
    Ken Pipher, Interim Chair            Bill Lawrence
    Chris Riddle                         Robert R. Allen
    John R. A. Gullick                   Alan G. Appleby
    Allan J. Heritage                    Keith Hodgson
    

The council will also include representatives from government-based organizations, including the Kawartha Conservation Authority, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment Canada and Parks Canada's Trent-Severn Waterway. In addition, First Nations representation from within the Watershed will soon be confirmed.

"The creation of the Water Management Advisory Council serves as another tangible expression of the Government's Action Plan for the Trent-Severn Waterway," said Mr. Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Brock. "I would like to express my appreciation to the members for contributing their time and perspectives as volunteers in the important work of the Council."

Originally built for commerce and transportation, the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada is a 386 kilometre- long heritage corridor that offers opportunities for both natural and cultural experiences.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

For further information: Information: Sara Atkins, External Relations & Communications Manager, Parks Canada Central Ontario Field Unit, Trent-Severn Waterway, [phone]; Peter Frood, Field Unit Superintendent, Parks Canada Central Ontario Field Unit, [phone]