Can we specify a new Class: a paddling environmentalist's class of rivers?

Rivers are clearly endangered:... but Kenneth Hahn said:

The idea of designating certain waterways is an idea that I believe merits serious consideration. A couple of points worth considering:

1. It would be cumbersome to explicitly designate specific waterways in the regulations because new waterways could only be included if the regulations were re-approved, which is an onerous project.

2. It would be better to identify classes of designated waterways. For example, if Environment Canada had a designation of 'extremely ecologically sensitive' one could make a statement in the NWPA proposed regulations that "all waterways designated as extremely ecologically sensitive by Environment Canada" cannot be considered a minor navigable water.

3. This is an extremely preliminary discussion because I don't know if this type of categorization is possible, or even if the NWPA is the appropriate place for it. Perhaps Environment Canada should designate waterways and the possible consequences.

I think it is worth pursuing - even though nothing may come of it.

I am certain that interested parties and stakeholders have other such intriguing ideas that could be very important in shaping the regulations.

Regarding your questions concerning the degree of malleability, in my discussions with management, all the criteria for the existing minor works and waters are on the table, as is the list of minor works and waters. It can be extended (for example, in BC, proponents want mooring buoys considered as a minor work) or reduced.


... he's drafting the regulations: this is our chance to save your river, section of river and so forth

I'm trying to get a meeting with Mr. Hahn organized with the Canadian Environmental Network's Water Caucus of which I am a member.

I cannot emphasize this anymore strongly: if you think that pipeline crossings, dredging are threats to sections of navigable waters, forget minor waters.

The act is passed, we now need to impact the regulations not sleep walk through this.

Minor waters, you know, 200 meters long? Average width less than 1.2 meters, average depth less than so and so, complete with obstructions....too much sinousity,
BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD Stuff where paddlers are concerned .


For example, if Environment Canada had a designation of 'extremely ecologically sensitive' (significant socio economic impact?) one could make a statement in the NWPA proposed regulations that "all waterways designated as extremely ecologically sensitive by Environment Canada" cannot be considered a minor navigable water.

Interested parties and stakeholders must have other such intriguing ideas that could be very important in shaping the regulations.

My suggestions: get your club or group to name recreationally valuable stretches of water as exclusions in the regulations.



This is the fellow you must contact:

Ken Hahn
Project Manager - Regulatory Development / Gestionnaire de projet - Développement Réglementaire
Navigable Waters Protection Program / Programme de protection de eaux navigables
Marine Safety, Tower C, Place de Ville / Sécurité maritime, Tour C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street, 10th Floor, AMSEG / 330, rue Sparks, 10ième étage, AMSEG
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N8
Telephone/Téléphone: 613-998-6442
Fax/Télécopieur: 613-998-0637
E-Mail/Courriel: Kenneth.Hahn@tc.gc.ca
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