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March 24 2009 In this Issue 
If you are a member, please consider a special donation to support Ottawa Riverkeeper programs. Or please consider becoming a member.  Want news and issue updates about the Ottawa River watershed delivered to your inbox?  Know someone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once. Questions, comments or feedback? We'd love to hear from you, please use our contact form or call our Pollution Hotline at: 1-888-9KEEPER |
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Riverkeeper's Point of View: Environmental Deregulation 
Environment bulldozed by infrastructure in federal spending spree Last month, Canada had a 100-year old law to protect its waterways. This month, environmental legislation is being dismantled piece by piece, in what can be described as one of the largest federal spending sprees on record. To make matters worse, there’s no sign of this attack against protective regulations coming to a stop. The ongoing deregulation of our environment in the name of short-term economic recovery puts our communities, our heritage, our ecosystems and our future at risk. Read more... Join Us! Celebrate Earth Day @ the Cube 
Help us celebrate Earth Day at the Cube Gallery! Join us for an evening of art and discussion with Ottawa Riverkeeper, Meredith Brown. Meredith will give a brief presentation on the significance of our Ottawa River, current issues affecting its health and future, and what you can do to help. Networking and wine tasting to follow. Earth Day @ Cube Gallery Take Action: Ban Bottled Water 
Bottled water is needlessly wasteful, costs more, is less regulated, consumes more energy and releases more harmful toxins into the environment. Meanwhile, in Ottawa, municipal water systems are among the safest and strongest in the world.
In 2007, the Ministry of the Environment rated the City of Ottawa’s drinking water as one of the safest in the world. On the other hand, the bottled water industry is not legally required to meet the same municipal drinking water regulations, and companies are not required to conduct regular or comprehensive testing of their bottled water products. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities has called for cities to ban bottled water in their own facilities, however a mass consumer ban is left to provincial and federal jurisdictions. Municipalities across the country are making the switch to tap water and sending the message – drink water from the tap! TAKE ACTION NOW!
5th Annual Ottawa Riverkeeper Triathlon - Team Challenge 
Get Involved! Assemble a relay team and enter the Ottawa Riverkeeper Triathlon Team Challenge! Join us for a day of fun and friendly sport, while raising funds and awareness for Ottawa Riverkeeper. Represent your company, or enter a team of friends or family members. Saturday, June 13th Sponsorship opportunities available! 
Where can I find information about the quality of City of Ottawa drinking water? The City of Ottawa, Water Services Branch, offers several services and programs to ensure residents can contact them with questions or concerns, 24-hours a day. It’s important to note that the City of Ottawa is the only authority that can issue alerts or advisories on the status of our municipal tap water. The City conducts stringent testing, and is bound by Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. Visit the City of Ottawa website, for Facts About Your Water. For more information, please contact: Volunteer Spotlight: Regan Morris 
Regan Morris, a current member of our Board of Directors, has demonstrated his commitment to a clean and healthy Ottawa River. Regan brings to the Board a strong interest in environmental law and policy, and has been a vital contributor to the development of our legal strategy. "What attracted me to the ORK was its science based approach to environmental advocacy. If we don't have a good understanding of the threats facing the river, we can't hope to protect it." – Regan Morris Real or imagined: The story of Mishipashoo British Columbia has the Sasquatch. Loch Ness has its own watery monster. The Ottawa River has Mishipashoo (various spellings: Mishipishu, for instance). Our lesser-known creature has been described variously as part wild cat, part horned beast, which lurks in the water waiting to capsize canoes with a flick of its tail. What proof is there that Mishipashoo existed? Unlike various modern-day sightings of Sasquatch which keep this creature alive in our mind’s eye, Mishipashoo is remembered through First Nations art and legend. Read more... Katharine Fletcher is a freelance writer and author of books such as Capital Rambles: Exploring the National Capital Region, which includes many tales of the Valley. Contact her at chesley@allstream.net with your stories of the Ottawa River. Friends of the Jock River: Photo Contest 
Get involved! In September 2008, the Friends of the Jock River launched a photo competition inviting primary and secondary school students who live or attend schools within the Jock River watershed to enter the photography competition “An Appreciation of the Jock River”. The competition has since opened to all Canadian residents and the closing date has been extended to October 31, 2009. Learn more and submit your photos! Pollution Hotline Coordinator – Summer Student Ottawa Riverkeeper is seeking an outgoing individual with excellent communication skills to join our team this summer. To be eligible; you must be a post-secondary student, between the ages of 15 and 30 and planning to return to full-time school in the fall. The successful candidate will work 35 hours per week for 12-14 weeks. The job will commence in mid-May or as soon as a suitable candidate is found. Ottawa Riverkeeper is seeking dynamic and respectful individuals to share our bright and sunny office space, in conveniently located Westboro. Please help us! Activate your network and spread the word that we have space to share. We have two offices for sub-lease, with access to shared common areas, meeting space and a kitchen. If you, or anyone you know is interested, please contact us today! |
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