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Wikipedia

Ottawa River

March 27, 2023

This article is about the river in Canada. For other uses, see Ottawa River (disambiguation).

The Ottawa River (French: Rivière des Outaouais, Algonquin: Kichi-Sìbì/Kitchissippi) is a river in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It is named after the Algonquin word 'to trade', as it was the major trade route of Eastern Canada at the time. For most of its length, it defines the border between these two provinces. It is a major tributary of the St. Lawrence River and the longest river in Quebec.

Ottawa River
Rivière des Outaouais (French)
Kichi-Sìbì (Algonquin)
The Ottawa River in autumn
Location
CountryCanada
ProvincesQuebec, Ontario
Physical characteristics
SourceLac des Outaouais
 • locationLac-Moselle, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau RCM, Outaouais, Quebec, Canada
 • coordinates47°38′38″N 75°38′35″W / 47.64389°N 75.64306°W / 47.64389; -75.64306
MouthSt. Lawrence River
 • location
Montreal, Quebec and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
 • coordinates
45°27′N 74°05′W / 45.450°N 74.083°W / 45.450; -74.083Coordinates: 45°27′N 74°05′W / 45.450°N 74.083°W / 45.450; -74.083
Length1,271 km (790 mi)[1]
Basin size146,300 km2 (56,500 sq mi)[1]
Width 
 • maximum7,400 m (24,300 ft)[2]
Depth 
 • maximum90 m (300 ft)[2]
Discharge 
 • locationCarillon dam
 • average1,950 m3/s (69,000 cu ft/s)[1]
 • minimum749 m3/s (26,500 cu ft/s)
 • maximum5,351 m3/s (189,000 cu ft/s)
Basin features
ProgressionSaint Lawrence River→ Gulf of Saint Lawrence
River systemSaint Lawrence River drainage basin

Geography

 
In this false-colour satellite image, the Ottawa River flows southeast, joining the St. Lawrence River which flows northeast. Heavily forested areas appear differing shades of orange/red, while farmland is tan shades.

The river rises at Lac des Outaouais, north of the Laurentian Mountains of central Quebec, and flows west to Lake Timiskaming. From there its route has been used to define the interprovincial border with Ontario.

From Lake Timiskaming, the river flows southeast to Ottawa and Gatineau, where it tumbles over Chaudière Falls and further takes in the Rideau and Gatineau rivers.

The Ottawa River drains into the Lake of Two Mountains and the St. Lawrence River at Montreal. The river is 1,271 km (790 mi) long; it drains an area of 146,300 km2 (56,500 sq mi), 65 per cent in Quebec and the rest in Ontario, with a mean discharge of 1,950 m3/s (69,000 cu ft/s).[1] It has a maximum depth of 90 m (300 ft) at the Carillon Reservoir and is 7,400 m (24,300 ft) wide at its widest part.[2]

The average annual mean waterflow measured at Carillon dam, near the Lake of Two Mountains, is 1,939 m3/s (68,500 cu ft/s), with average annual extremes of 749 to 5,351 m3/s (26,500 to 189,000 cu ft/s). Record historic levels since 1964 are a low of 467 m3/s (16,500 cu ft/s) in 2010 and a high of 9,094 m3/s (321,200 cu ft/s) in 2017.[3]

The river flows through large areas of deciduous and coniferous forest formed over thousands of years as trees recolonized the Ottawa Valley after the ice age.[4] Generally, the coniferous forests and blueberry bogs occur on old sand plains left by retreating glaciers, or in wetter areas with clay substrate. The deciduous forests, dominated by birch, maple, beech, oak and ash occur in more mesic areas with better soil, generally around the boundary with the La Varendrye Park.[5][6] These primeval forests were occasionally affected by natural fire, mostly started by lightning, which led to increased reproduction by pine and oak, as well as fire barrens and their associated species.[7] The vast areas of pine were exploited by early loggers.[8] Later generations of logging removed hemlock for use in tanning leather, leaving a permanent deficit of hemlock in most forests.[9] Associated with the logging and early settlement were vast wild fires which not only removed the forests, but led to soil erosion.[10] Consequently, nearly all the forests show varying degrees of human disturbance. Tracts of older forest are uncommon, and hence they are considered of considerable importance for conservation.[11]

The Ottawa River has large areas of wetlands. Some of the more biologically important wetland areas include (going downstream from Pembroke), the Westmeath sand dune/wetland complex, Mississippi Snye, Breckenridge Nature Reserve, Shirleys Bay, Ottawa Beach/Andrew Haydon Park, Petrie Island, the Duck Islands[12] and Greens Creek.[13][14] The Westmeath sand dune/wetland complex is significant for its relatively pristine sand dunes, few of which remain along the Ottawa River, and the many associated rare plants. Shirleys Bay has a biologically diverse shoreline alvar, as well as one of the largest silver maple swamps along the river. Like all wetlands, these depend upon the seasonal fluctuations in the water level.[15] High water levels help create and maintain silver maple swamps,[16] while low water periods allow many rare wetland plants to grow on the emerged sand and clay flats.[17] There are five principal wetland vegetation types. One is swamp, mostly silver maple. There are four herbaceous vegetation types, named for the dominant plant species in them: Scirpus, Eleocharis, Sparganium and Typha.[18] Which type occurs in a particular location depends upon factors such as substrate type, water depth, ice-scour and fertility. Inland, and mostly south of the river, older river channels, which date back to the end of the ice age, and no longer have flowing water, have sometimes filled with a different wetland type, peat bog. Examples include Mer Bleue and Alfred Bog.[13]

Major tributaries include:

 
Ottawa River (view from the Peace Tower of Parliament Centre Block)
 
Ottawa River (view from the Peace Tower of Parliament Centre Block)

Communities along the Ottawa River include (in down-stream order):

Islands

Ontario

Quebec

Geology

 
Ottawa River Stromatolite Bed, near the Champlain Bridge (Ottawa), with the Ottawa skyline in the background[238]

The Ottawa River lies in the Ottawa-Bonnechere Graben, which is a Mesozoic rift valley that formed 175 million years ago. Much of the river flows through the Canadian Shield, although lower areas flow through limestone plains and glacial deposits.[239]

As the glacial ice sheet began to retreat at the end of the last ice age, the Ottawa River valley, which, along with the St. Lawrence River valley and Lake Champlain, had been depressed to below sea level by the glacier's weight, filled with sea water.[240] The resulting arm of the ocean is known as the Champlain Sea. Fossil remains of marine life dating 12 to 10 thousand years ago have been found in marine clay throughout the region. Sand deposits from this era have produced vast plains, often dominated by pine forests, as well as localized areas of sand dunes, such as Westmeath and Constance Bay.[239] Clay deposits from this period have resulted in areas of poor drainage, large swamps, and peat bogs in some ancient channels of this river. Hence, the distribution of forests and wetlands is very much a product of these past glacial events.[6]

Large deposits of a material commonly known as Leda clay also formed. These deposits become highly unstable after heavy rains. Numerous landslides have occurred as a result. The former site of the town of Lemieux, Ontario collapsed into the South Nation River in 1993. The town's residents had previously been relocated because of the suspected instability of the earth in that location.

As the land gradually rose again the sea coast retreated and the fresh water courses of today took shape. Following the demise of the Champlain Sea the Ottawa River Valley continued to drain the waters of the emerging Upper Great Lakes basin through Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River. Owing to the ongoing uplift of the land, the eastward flow became blocked around 4000 years ago. Thereafter Lake Nipissing drained westward, through the French River which later became a link in the historic canoe route to the West.[241]

History

See also: Ottawa River timber trade

As it does to this day, the river played a vital role in life of the Algonquin people, who lived throughout its watershed at contact. The river is called Kichisìpi, meaning "Great River" in Anicinàbemowin, the Algonquin language. The Algonquin define themselves in terms of their position on the river, referring to themselves as the Omàmiwinini, 'down-river people'. Although a majority of the Algonquin First Nation lives in Quebec, the entire Ottawa Valley is Algonquin traditional territory. Present settlement is a result of adaptations made as a result of settler pressures.[242]

 
A railway bridge over the Ottawa River in Mattawa, Ontario.

Some early European explorers, possibly considering the Ottawa River to be more significant than the Upper St. Lawrence River, applied the name River Canada to the Ottawa River and the St. Lawrence River below the confluence at Montreal. As the extent of the Great Lakes became clear and the river began to be regarded as a tributary, it was variously known as the Grand River, "Great River" or Grand River of the Algonquins before the present name was settled upon. This name change resulted from the Ottawa peoples' control of the river circa 1685. However, only one band of Ottawa, the Kinouncherpirini or Keinouch, ever inhabited the Ottawa Valley.

In 1615, Samuel de Champlain and Étienne Brûlé, assisted by Algonquin guides, were the first Europeans to travel up the Ottawa River and follow the water route west along the Mattawa and French Rivers to the Great Lakes. See Canadian Canoe Routes (early). For the following two centuries, this route was used by French fur traders, voyageurs and coureurs des bois to Canada's interior. The river posed serious hazards to these travellers. The section near Deux Rivières used to have spectacular and wild rapids, namely the Rapide de la Veillée, the Trou, the Rapide des Deux Rivières, and the Rapide de la Roche Capitaine. (These rapids are now submerged under the reservoir of Holden Lake.) In 1800, explorer Daniel Harmon reported 14 crosses marking the deaths of voyageurs who had drowned in the dangerous waters along this section of the Ottawa.[243]

The main trading posts along the river were: Lachine, Fort Coulonge, Lac des Allumettes, Mattawa House, where west-bound canoes left the river and Fort Témiscamingue. From Lake Timiskaming a portage led north to the Abitibi River and James Bay.

In the early 19th century, the Ottawa River and its tributaries were used to gain access to large virgin forests of white pine. A booming trade in timber developed, and large rafts of logs were floated down the river. A scattering of small subsistence farming communities developed along the shores of the river to provide manpower for the lumber camps in winter. In 1832, following the War of 1812, the Ottawa River gained strategic importance when the Carillon Canal was completed. Together with the Rideau Canal, the Carillon Canal was constructed to provide an alternate military supply route to Kingston and Lake Ontario, bypassing the route along the Saint Lawrence River.[244]

 
1907 Canadian major internal and cross border shipping routes, including the proposed Georgian Bay Ship Canal.

In 1907, the Department of Public Works published a map proposing a shipping lane through the Georgian Bay Ship Canal route, which would connect Georgian Bay to the Ottawa River through Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River.

Power generation

A pulp and paper mill (at Témiscaming) and several hydroelectric dams have been constructed on the river. In 1950, the dam at Rapides-des-Joachims, was built, forming Holden Lake behind it and thereby submerging the rapids and portages at Deux Rivières.[243] These hydro dams have had negative effects upon shoreline and wetland ecosystems,[245] and are thought to also be responsible for the near extermination of American eels, which were once an abundant species in the river, but which are now uncommon.[246] As an economic route, its importance was eclipsed by railroad and highways in the 20th century. It is no longer used for log driving, however, it is still extensively used for recreational boating. Some 20,000 pleasure boaters visit the Carillon Canal annually.[244]

Today, Outaouais Herald Emeritus at the Canadian Heraldic Authority is named after the river.

Hydroelectric installations

Hydroelectric installations on the Upper Ottawa (in downstream order):

Installation Type Generating cap. Year built Name of reservoir Operator
Bourque Dam Dam n/a 1949 Dozois Reservoir Hydro-Québec
Rapide-7 Generating station 48 MW 1941 / 1949 Decelles Lake Hydro-Québec
Rapide-2 Run of river g.s. 48 MW 1954 n/a Hydro-Québec
Rapides-des-Quinze Run of river g.s. 95 MW 1923 n/a Hydro-Québec
Rapides-des-Îles Run of river g.s. 147 MW 1966 n/a Hydro-Québec
Première-Chute Run of river g.s. 130 MW 1968 n/a Hydro-Québec

Lower Ottawa (in downstream order):

Installation Type Generating cap. Year built Name of reservoir Operator
Otto Holden Run of river g.s. 243 MW 1952 n/a Ontario Power Generation
Des Joachims Run of river g.s. 429 MW 1950 Holden Lake Ontario Power Generation
Bryson Run of river g.s. 61 MW 1925 n/a Hydro-Québec
Chenaux Run of river g.s. 144 MW 1950 n/a Ontario Power Generation
Chute-des-Chats (Chats Falls) Run of river g.s. 185 MW 1931 Lac des Chats Hydro-Québec and OPG *
Hull-2 Run of river g.s. 27 MW 1920 n/a Hydro-Québec
Carillon Run of river g.s. 752 MW 1962 n/a Hydro-Québec

* Ontario Power Generation operates generators 2, 3, 4, and 5 with a capacity of 96 MW; and Hydro-Québec operates generators 6, 7, 8, and 9 with a capacity of 89 MW.

 
Ottawa River overlooking Parliament hill to the left and the Canadian Museum of History to the right

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d . Natural Resources Canada/Atlas of Canada. Archived from the original on 2013-01-22. Retrieved 2008-02-24.
  2. ^ a b c "The Ottawa River: By the Numbers". CBC. October 16, 2008. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  3. ^ "Monthly and Annual Mean Water Levels in Metres From 1950, Ottawa River at Carillon". Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
  4. ^ Anderson, T.W. 1989. Vegetation changes over 12000 years. Geos (3) 39-47.
  5. ^ Braun, E.L. 1950. Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America. The Blakiston Co., Philadelphia, PA.
  6. ^ a b Keddy, P.A. 2008. Earth, Water, Fire. An Ecological Profile of Lanark County. General Store Publishing House, Renfrew, Ontario. (revised from first edition 1999).
  7. ^ Catling, P. and V. Brownell. 1999. Pages 392-405 in the book Anderson, R.C., J.S. Fralish and J.M. Baskin. 1999. Savannas, Barrens, and Rock Outcrop Plant Communities of North America. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK.
  8. ^ Hughson, J.W. and C.C. J. Bond. 1965. Hurling Down the Pine. The Historical Society of the Gatineau, Old Chelsea, Quebec. First edition 1964, Revised second edition 1965.
  9. ^ Keddy, C.J. 1993. Forest History of Eastern Ontario. Prepared for the Eastern Ontario Model Forest Group, Kemptville
  10. ^ Howe, C.D. 1915. The effect of repeated forest fires upon the reproduction of commercial species in Peterborough County, Ontario. Pages 116-211 in Forest Protection in Canada, 1913 1914, Commission of Conservation of Canada, William Briggs, Toronto.
  11. ^ Henry, M. and P. Quinby. 2009. Ontario Old Growth Forests. Fitzhenry and Whiteside, Markham, Ontario
  12. ^ Darbyshire, S.J. 1981. Upper Duck and Lower Duck Islands. Trail and Landscape 15:133-139.
  13. ^ a b Brunton, D.F. 1992. Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6-12. A Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas. Report prepared for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Kemptville, Ontario.
  14. ^ Ecosystem Diversity 2012-04-24 at the Wayback Machine. ottawariverkeeper.ca. Retrieved on 2013-07-12.
  15. ^ Keddy, P.A. 2010. Wetland Ecology: Principles and Conservation (2nd edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK
  16. ^ Toner, M, and P. Keddy. 1997. River hydrology and riparian wetlands: a predictive model for ecological assembly. Ecological Applications 7: 236-246
  17. ^ Brunton, D.F. and B.M. Di Labio. Diversity and ecological characteristics of emergent beach flora along the Ottawa River in the Ottawa-Hull region, Quebec and Ontario. Naturaliste canadien 116: 179-191.
  18. ^ Day, R., P.A. Keddy, J. McNeill and T. Carleton. 1988. Fertility and disturbance gradients: a summary model for riverine marsh vegetation. Ecology 69:1044-1054
  19. ^ "Alexandra Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  20. ^ "Aylmer Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  21. ^ "Basil Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  22. ^ "Bate Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  23. ^ "Beacon Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  24. ^ "Beckett Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  25. ^ "Bell Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  26. ^ "Big Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  27. ^ "Big Elbow Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  28. ^ "Bruyère Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  29. ^ "Burnt Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  30. ^ "Butternut Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  31. ^ "Carl Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  32. ^ "Cedar Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  33. ^ "Chapman Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  34. ^ "Chartrand Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  35. ^ "Chenaux Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  36. ^ "Christie Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  37. ^ "Clarence Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  38. ^ "Coreille Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  39. ^ "Corinne Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  40. ^ "Cornelius Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  41. ^ "Cotnam Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  42. ^ "Crab Islands". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  43. ^ "Cunningham Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  44. ^ "Cushing Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  45. ^ "Daisy Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  46. ^ "Davis Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  47. ^ "Deep River Islet". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  48. ^ "Demers Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  49. ^ "Dow Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  50. ^ "Dunlop Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  51. ^ "Dupras Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  52. ^ "Dutch Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  53. ^ "Ellis Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  54. ^ "Evelyn Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  55. ^ "Farr Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  56. ^ "Fish Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  57. ^ "Fraser Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  58. ^ "Fury Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  59. ^ "Gibraltar Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  60. ^ "Green Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  61. ^ "Gutzman Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  62. ^ "Hamilton Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  63. ^ "Haycock Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  64. ^ a b "Morris Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  65. ^ "Hazel Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  66. ^ "Hen Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  67. ^ "Hog Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  68. ^ "Houston Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  69. ^ "Ile Chénier". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  70. ^ "Ile du Chenail". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  71. ^ "Ile Ste-Rosalie". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  72. ^ "Irving Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  73. ^ "Jamieson Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  74. ^ "John Joe Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  75. ^ "Kate Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  76. ^ "Kedey's Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  77. ^ "King Edward Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  78. ^ "Latour Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  79. ^ "Lemieux Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  80. ^ "Lillian Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  81. ^ "Lorne Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  82. ^ "Louise Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  83. ^ "Lower Duck Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  84. ^ "Mackie Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  85. ^ "Man Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  86. ^ "Meadow Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  87. ^ "Merrill Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  88. ^ "Metcalf Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  89. ^ "Miller Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  90. ^ "Oak Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  91. ^ "O'Meara Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  92. ^ "Parker Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  93. ^ "Pearl Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  94. ^ "Pink Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  95. ^ "Poker Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  96. ^ "Princess Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  97. ^ "Ramsey Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  98. ^ "Randolph Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  99. ^ "Rempnouix Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  100. ^ "Riopelle Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  101. ^ "Rocher Capitaine Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  102. ^ "Ruby Islet". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  103. ^ "Sack's Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  104. ^ "Sandbar Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  105. ^ "Santa Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  106. ^ "Sawlog Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  107. ^ "Shoal Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  108. ^ "Short Turn Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  109. ^ "Steamer Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  110. ^ "Snake Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  111. ^ "Sullivan Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  112. ^ "Upper Duck Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  113. ^ "Victoria Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  114. ^ "Wabewawa Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  115. ^ "Willson Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  116. ^ "Windsor Island". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  117. ^ "L'Île". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  118. ^ "Île Allen". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  119. ^ "Île aux Allumettes". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  120. ^ "Île Armstrong". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  121. ^ "Île Avelle". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  122. ^ "Bald Rock". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  123. ^ "Île Béique". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  124. ^ "Îles Benny". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  125. ^ "Île Bernard". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  126. ^ "Île Bernardin". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  127. ^ "Île Berry". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  128. ^ "Île à Bertrand". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  129. ^ "Île Boom". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  130. ^ "Île Bray". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  131. ^ "Île Brisseau". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  132. ^ "Île Brunet". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  133. ^ "Île Bryson". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  134. ^ "Île Cadieux". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  135. ^ "Île Cobb". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  136. ^ "Île de Carillon". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  137. ^ "Île du Centre". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  138. ^ "Île du Chef". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  139. ^ "Île du Chenal Blind". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  140. ^ "Île du Chicot". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  141. ^ "Îles à Cole". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  142. ^ "Île du Collège". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  143. ^ "Île de la Compagnie". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  144. ^ "Île à Cowley". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  145. ^ "Île à Crépault". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  146. ^ "Île D'Arcy". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  147. ^ "Île Davidson". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  148. ^ "Île Dog". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  149. ^ "Île Dubé". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  150. ^ "Île à Everill". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  151. ^ "Île Fer à Cheval". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  152. ^ "Île du Finlandais". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  153. ^ "Îles Finlay". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  154. ^ "Île Fitzpatrick". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  155. ^ "Île au Foin". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  156. ^ "Île Fox". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  157. ^ "Île Fox". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  158. ^ "Île French". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  159. ^ "Île Frigon". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  160. ^ "Île Gagnon". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  161. ^ "Rocher à Gillis". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  162. ^ "Rochers aux Goélands". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  163. ^ "Île Graham". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  164. ^ "Île du Grand Calumet". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  165. ^ "Île Green". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  166. ^ "Île Greene". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  167. ^ "Île à Griffin". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  168. ^ "Île Harbec". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  169. ^ "Île Hemlock". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  170. ^ "Île Henry". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  171. ^ "Île Hiam". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  172. ^ "Île Jacey". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  173. ^ "Île John-Park". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  174. ^ "Île Jones". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  175. ^ "Îles Jumelles". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  176. ^ "Île Kettle". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  177. ^ "Île Lafleur". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  178. ^ "Île Lafontaine". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  179. ^ "Île Lasalle". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  180. ^ "Île à Lawn". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  181. ^ "Île Leblanc". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  182. ^ "Île Lemoine". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  183. ^ "Île Leroux". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  184. ^ "Île Lighthouse". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  185. ^ "Île Lighthouse". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  186. ^ "Île Limerick". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  187. ^ "Petite île Limerick". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  188. ^ "Île Lorelei". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  189. ^ "Île Mann". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  190. ^ "Île Marcotte". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  191. ^ "Île à Marion". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  192. ^ "Île Mohr". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  193. ^ "Île Morrison". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  194. ^ "Île Mulligan". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  195. ^ "Île O'Connor". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  196. ^ "Île Oscar-Béchamp". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  197. ^ "Île Oster". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  198. ^ "Île Paquin". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  199. ^ "Île à Payne". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  200. ^ "Îles Pelley". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  201. ^ "Île Philemon". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  202. ^ "Île Pigs". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  203. ^ "Île aux Pins". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  204. ^ "Île des Quinze". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  205. ^ "Île Rainville". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  206. ^ "Île des Rapides". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  207. ^ "Île du Refuge". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  208. ^ "Île Reid". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  209. ^ "Île Reid". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  210. ^ "Île Rita". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  211. ^ "Île à Ritté". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  212. ^ "Île du Rocher Fendu". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  213. ^ "Île à Rouleau". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  214. ^ "Île à Roussin". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  215. ^ "Île de Sable". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  216. ^ "Petite île Sèche". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  217. ^ "La Semelle". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  218. ^ "Île Smith". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  219. ^ "Île Snake". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  220. ^ "Île des Soeurs". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  221. ^ "Île Soulier". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  222. ^ "Île Squelette". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  223. ^ "Île Submergée". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  224. ^ "Île Sunset". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  225. ^ "Île Todd". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  226. ^ "Île à Tom". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
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  228. ^ "Île aux Tourtes". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  229. ^ "Île Verte". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  230. ^ "Île Victoria". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  231. ^ "Île Wickens". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  232. ^ "Île Winneway". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  233. ^ "Île Woods". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  234. ^ "Île Wight". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  235. ^ "Île Young (Pontiac)". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
  236. ^ "Île Young (Gatineau)". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada.
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March 27, 2023
ottawa, river, this, article, about, river, canada, other, uses, disambiguation, french, rivière, outaouais, algonquin, kichi, sìbì, kitchissippi, river, canadian, provinces, ontario, quebec, named, after, algonquin, word, trade, major, trade, route, eastern, . This article is about the river in Canada For other uses see Ottawa River disambiguation The Ottawa River French Riviere des Outaouais Algonquin Kichi Sibi Kitchissippi is a river in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec It is named after the Algonquin word to trade as it was the major trade route of Eastern Canada at the time For most of its length it defines the border between these two provinces It is a major tributary of the St Lawrence River and the longest river in Quebec Ottawa RiverRiviere des Outaouais French Kichi Sibi Algonquin The Ottawa River in autumnMap of the Ottawa River drainage basinLocationCountryCanadaProvincesQuebec OntarioPhysical characteristicsSourceLac des Outaouais locationLac Moselle La Vallee de la Gatineau RCM Outaouais Quebec Canada coordinates47 38 38 N 75 38 35 W 47 64389 N 75 64306 W 47 64389 75 64306MouthSt Lawrence River locationMontreal Quebec and Ottawa Ontario Canada coordinates45 27 N 74 05 W 45 450 N 74 083 W 45 450 74 083 Coordinates 45 27 N 74 05 W 45 450 N 74 083 W 45 450 74 083Length1 271 km 790 mi 1 Basin size146 300 km2 56 500 sq mi 1 Width maximum7 400 m 24 300 ft 2 Depth maximum90 m 300 ft 2 Discharge locationCarillon dam average1 950 m3 s 69 000 cu ft s 1 minimum749 m3 s 26 500 cu ft s maximum5 351 m3 s 189 000 cu ft s Basin featuresProgressionSaint Lawrence River Gulf of Saint LawrenceRiver systemSaint Lawrence River drainage basin Contents 1 Geography 1 1 Islands 1 1 1 Ontario 1 1 2 Quebec 2 Geology 3 History 4 Power generation 4 1 Hydroelectric installations 5 See also 6 References 7 External linksGeography Edit In this false colour satellite image the Ottawa River flows southeast joining the St Lawrence River which flows northeast Heavily forested areas appear differing shades of orange red while farmland is tan shades The river rises at Lac des Outaouais north of the Laurentian Mountains of central Quebec and flows west to Lake Timiskaming From there its route has been used to define the interprovincial border with Ontario From Lake Timiskaming the river flows southeast to Ottawa and Gatineau where it tumbles over Chaudiere Falls and further takes in the Rideau and Gatineau rivers The Ottawa River drains into the Lake of Two Mountains and the St Lawrence River at Montreal The river is 1 271 km 790 mi long it drains an area of 146 300 km2 56 500 sq mi 65 per cent in Quebec and the rest in Ontario with a mean discharge of 1 950 m3 s 69 000 cu ft s 1 It has a maximum depth of 90 m 300 ft at the Carillon Reservoir and is 7 400 m 24 300 ft wide at its widest part 2 The average annual mean waterflow measured at Carillon dam near the Lake of Two Mountains is 1 939 m3 s 68 500 cu ft s with average annual extremes of 749 to 5 351 m3 s 26 500 to 189 000 cu ft s Record historic levels since 1964 are a low of 467 m3 s 16 500 cu ft s in 2010 and a high of 9 094 m3 s 321 200 cu ft s in 2017 3 The river flows through large areas of deciduous and coniferous forest formed over thousands of years as trees recolonized the Ottawa Valley after the ice age 4 Generally the coniferous forests and blueberry bogs occur on old sand plains left by retreating glaciers or in wetter areas with clay substrate The deciduous forests dominated by birch maple beech oak and ash occur in more mesic areas with better soil generally around the boundary with the La Varendrye Park 5 6 These primeval forests were occasionally affected by natural fire mostly started by lightning which led to increased reproduction by pine and oak as well as fire barrens and their associated species 7 The vast areas of pine were exploited by early loggers 8 Later generations of logging removed hemlock for use in tanning leather leaving a permanent deficit of hemlock in most forests 9 Associated with the logging and early settlement were vast wild fires which not only removed the forests but led to soil erosion 10 Consequently nearly all the forests show varying degrees of human disturbance Tracts of older forest are uncommon and hence they are considered of considerable importance for conservation 11 The Ottawa River has large areas of wetlands Some of the more biologically important wetland areas include going downstream from Pembroke the Westmeath sand dune wetland complex Mississippi Snye Breckenridge Nature Reserve Shirleys Bay Ottawa Beach Andrew Haydon Park Petrie Island the Duck Islands 12 and Greens Creek 13 14 The Westmeath sand dune wetland complex is significant for its relatively pristine sand dunes few of which remain along the Ottawa River and the many associated rare plants Shirleys Bay has a biologically diverse shoreline alvar as well as one of the largest silver maple swamps along the river Like all wetlands these depend upon the seasonal fluctuations in the water level 15 High water levels help create and maintain silver maple swamps 16 while low water periods allow many rare wetland plants to grow on the emerged sand and clay flats 17 There are five principal wetland vegetation types One is swamp mostly silver maple There are four herbaceous vegetation types named for the dominant plant species in them Scirpus Eleocharis Sparganium and Typha 18 Which type occurs in a particular location depends upon factors such as substrate type water depth ice scour and fertility Inland and mostly south of the river older river channels which date back to the end of the ice age and no longer have flowing water have sometimes filled with a different wetland type peat bog Examples include Mer Bleue and Alfred Bog 13 Major tributaries include Bonnechere River Coulonge River Dumoine River Gatineau River Kipawa River du Lievre River Madawaska River Mattawa River Mississippi River Montreal River Riviere du Nord Noire River Petawawa River Rideau River Rouge River South Nation River Ottawa River view from the Peace Tower of Parliament Centre Block Ottawa River view from the Peace Tower of Parliament Centre Block Communities along the Ottawa River include in down stream order Kitcisakik Anicinape Community Long Point First Nation Moffet Quebec Laverlochere Angliers Quebec Notre Dame du Nord Quebec Temiskaming Shores Ontario Ville Marie Quebec Temiscaming Quebec Thorne Ontario Mattawa Ontario Deux Rivieres Ontario Rapides des Joachims Quebec Laurentian Hills Ontario Deep River Ontario Sheenboro Quebec Petawawa Ontario Pembroke Ontario Westmeath Ontario Waltham Quebec Fort Coulonge Quebec La Passe Ontario Campbell s Bay Quebec Portage du Fort Quebec Bristol Quebec McNab Braeside Ontario Arnprior Ontario Quyon Quebec Ottawa Ontario Gatineau Quebec Masson Angers Quebec Clarence Rockland Ontario Thurso Quebec Plaisance Quebec Papineauville Quebec Montebello Quebec Fassett Quebec L Orignal Ontario Grenville Quebec Hawkesbury Ontario Carillon Quebec Saint Andre Est Quebec Rigaud Quebec Saint Placide Quebec Kanesatake Hudson Quebec Oka Quebec Vaudreuil sur le Lac Quebec Vaudreuil Dorion Quebec Pincourt Quebec Norway Bay Quebec Pointe des Cascades Quebec Islands Edit Ontario Edit Alexandra Island 19 Aylmer Island 20 Basil Island 21 Bate Island 22 Beacon Island 23 Beckett Island 24 Bell Island 25 Big Island 26 Big Elbow Island 27 Bruyere Island 28 Burnt Island 29 Butternut Island 30 Carl Island 31 Cedar Island 32 Chapman Island 33 Chartrand Island 34 Chenaux Island 35 Christie Island 36 Clarence Island 37 Coreille Island 38 Corinne Island 39 Cornelius Island 40 Cotnam Island 41 Crab Islands 42 Cunningam Island 43 Cushing Island 44 Daisy Island 45 Davis Island 46 Deep River Islet 47 Demers Island 48 Dow Island 49 Dunlop Island 50 Dupras Island 51 Dutch Island 52 Ellis Island 53 Evelyn Island 54 Farr Island 55 Fish Island 56 Fraser Island 57 Fury Island 58 Gibraltar Island 59 Green Island 60 Gutzman Island 61 Hamilton Island 62 Haycock Island 63 Hazel Island 64 Hazelton Island 65 Hen Island 66 Hog Island 67 Houston Island 68 Ile Chenier 69 Ile du Chenail 70 Ile Ste Rosalie 71 Irving Island 72 Jamieson Island 73 John Joe Island 74 Kate Island 75 Kedey s Island 76 King Edward Island 77 Latour Island 78 Lemieux Island 79 Lillian Island 80 Lorne Island 81 Louise Island 82 Lower Duck Island 83 Mackie Island 84 Man Island 85 Meadow Island 86 Merrill Island 87 Metcalf Island 88 Miller Island 89 Morris Island 64 Oak Island 90 O Meara Island 91 Parker Island 92 Pearl Island 93 Petrie Island Pink Island 94 Poker Island 95 Princess Island 96 Ramsey Island 97 Randolph Island 98 Rempnouix Island 99 Riopelle Island 100 Rocher Capitaine Island 101 Ruby Islet 102 Sack s Island 103 Sandbar Island 104 Santa Island 105 Sawlog Island 106 Shoal Island 107 Short Turn Island 108 Steamer Island 109 Snake Island 110 Sullivan Island 111 Upper Duck Island 112 Victoria Island 113 Wabewawa Island 114 Willson Island 115 Windsor Island 116 Quebec Edit L Ile 117 Ile Allen 118 Ile aux Allumettes 119 Ile Armstrong 120 Ile Avelle 121 Bald Rock 122 Ile Beique 123 Iles Benny 124 Ile Bernard 125 Ile Bernardin 126 Ile Berry 127 Ile a Bertrand 128 Ile Boom 129 Ile Bray 130 Ile Brisseau 131 Ile Brunet 132 Ile Bryson 133 Ile Cadieux 134 Ile Cobb 135 Ile de Carillon 136 Ile du Centre 137 Ile du Chef 138 Ile du Chenal Blind 139 Ile du Chicot 140 Iles a Cole 141 Ile du College 142 Ile de la Compagnie 143 Ile a Cowley 144 Ile a Crepault 145 Ile D Arcy 146 Ile Davidson 147 Ile Dog 148 Ile Dube 149 Ile a Everill 150 Ile Fer a Cheval 151 Ile du Finlandais 152 Iles Finlay 153 Ile Fitzpatrick 154 Ile au Foin 155 Ile Fox Pontiac 156 Ile Fox Temiscamingue 157 Ile French 158 Ile Frigon 159 Ile Gagnon 160 Rocher a Gillis 161 Rochers aux Goelands 162 Ile Graham 163 Ile du Grand Calumet 164 Ile Green 165 Ile Greene 166 Ile a Griffin 167 Ile Harbec 168 Ile Hemlock 169 Ile Henry 170 Ile Hiam 171 Ile Jacey 172 Ile John Park 173 Ile Jones 174 Iles Jumelles 175 Ile Kettle 176 Ile Lafleur 177 Ile Lafontaine 178 Ile Lasalle 179 Ile a Lawn 180 Ile Leblanc 181 Ile Lemoine 182 Ile Leroux 183 Ile Lighthouse L Isle aux Allumettes 184 Ile Lighthouse Bristol 185 Ile Limerick 186 Petite ile Limerick 187 Ile Lorelei 188 Ile Mann 189 Ile Marcotte 190 Ile a Marion 191 Ile Mohr 192 Ile Morrison 193 Ile Mulligan 194 Ile O Connor 195 Ile Oscar Bechamp 196 Ile Oster 197 Ile Paquin 198 Ile a Payne 199 Iles Pelley 200 Ile Philemon 201 Ile Pigs 202 Ile aux Pins 203 Ile des Quinze 204 Ile Rainville 205 Ile des Rapides 206 Ile du Refuge 207 Ile Reid Clarendon 208 Ile Reid L Isle aux Allumettes 209 Ile Rita 210 Ile a Ritte 211 Ile du Rocher Fendu 212 Ile a Rouleau 213 Ile a Roussin 214 Ile de Sable 215 Petite ile Seche 216 La Semelle 217 Ile Smith 218 Ile Snake 219 Ile des Soeurs 220 Ile Soulier 221 Ile Squelette 222 Ile Submergee 223 Ile Sunset 224 Ile Todd 225 Ile a Tom 226 Ile a Tom Simon 227 Ile aux Tourtes 228 Ile Verte 229 Ile Victoria 230 Ile Wickens 231 Ile Winneway 232 Ile Woods 233 Ile Wight 234 Ile Young Pontiac 235 Ile Young Gatineau 236 Ile Yvette Naubert 237 Geology Edit Map of the Ottawa Bonnechere Graben Ottawa River Stromatolite Bed near the Champlain Bridge Ottawa with the Ottawa skyline in the background 238 The Ottawa River lies in the Ottawa Bonnechere Graben which is a Mesozoic rift valley that formed 175 million years ago Much of the river flows through the Canadian Shield although lower areas flow through limestone plains and glacial deposits 239 As the glacial ice sheet began to retreat at the end of the last ice age the Ottawa River valley which along with the St Lawrence River valley and Lake Champlain had been depressed to below sea level by the glacier s weight filled with sea water 240 The resulting arm of the ocean is known as the Champlain Sea Fossil remains of marine life dating 12 to 10 thousand years ago have been found in marine clay throughout the region Sand deposits from this era have produced vast plains often dominated by pine forests as well as localized areas of sand dunes such as Westmeath and Constance Bay 239 Clay deposits from this period have resulted in areas of poor drainage large swamps and peat bogs in some ancient channels of this river Hence the distribution of forests and wetlands is very much a product of these past glacial events 6 Large deposits of a material commonly known as Leda clay also formed These deposits become highly unstable after heavy rains Numerous landslides have occurred as a result The former site of the town of Lemieux Ontario collapsed into the South Nation River in 1993 The town s residents had previously been relocated because of the suspected instability of the earth in that location As the land gradually rose again the sea coast retreated and the fresh water courses of today took shape Following the demise of the Champlain Sea the Ottawa River Valley continued to drain the waters of the emerging Upper Great Lakes basin through Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River Owing to the ongoing uplift of the land the eastward flow became blocked around 4000 years ago Thereafter Lake Nipissing drained westward through the French River which later became a link in the historic canoe route to the West 241 History EditSee also Ottawa River timber trade As it does to this day the river played a vital role in life of the Algonquin people who lived throughout its watershed at contact The river is called Kichisipi meaning Great River in Anicinabemowin the Algonquin language The Algonquin define themselves in terms of their position on the river referring to themselves as the Omamiwinini down river people Although a majority of the Algonquin First Nation lives in Quebec the entire Ottawa Valley is Algonquin traditional territory Present settlement is a result of adaptations made as a result of settler pressures 242 A railway bridge over the Ottawa River in Mattawa Ontario Some early European explorers possibly considering the Ottawa River to be more significant than the Upper St Lawrence River applied the name River Canada to the Ottawa River and the St Lawrence River below the confluence at Montreal As the extent of the Great Lakes became clear and the river began to be regarded as a tributary it was variously known as the Grand River Great River or Grand River of the Algonquins before the present name was settled upon This name change resulted from the Ottawa peoples control of the river circa 1685 However only one band of Ottawa the Kinouncherpirini or Keinouch ever inhabited the Ottawa Valley In 1615 Samuel de Champlain and Etienne Brule assisted by Algonquin guides were the first Europeans to travel up the Ottawa River and follow the water route west along the Mattawa and French Rivers to the Great Lakes See Canadian Canoe Routes early For the following two centuries this route was used by French fur traders voyageurs and coureurs des bois to Canada s interior The river posed serious hazards to these travellers The section near Deux Rivieres used to have spectacular and wild rapids namely the Rapide de la Veillee the Trou the Rapide des Deux Rivieres and the Rapide de la Roche Capitaine These rapids are now submerged under the reservoir of Holden Lake In 1800 explorer Daniel Harmon reported 14 crosses marking the deaths of voyageurs who had drowned in the dangerous waters along this section of the Ottawa 243 The main trading posts along the river were Lachine Fort Coulonge Lac des Allumettes Mattawa House where west bound canoes left the river and Fort Temiscamingue From Lake Timiskaming a portage led north to the Abitibi River and James Bay In the early 19th century the Ottawa River and its tributaries were used to gain access to large virgin forests of white pine A booming trade in timber developed and large rafts of logs were floated down the river A scattering of small subsistence farming communities developed along the shores of the river to provide manpower for the lumber camps in winter In 1832 following the War of 1812 the Ottawa River gained strategic importance when the Carillon Canal was completed Together with the Rideau Canal the Carillon Canal was constructed to provide an alternate military supply route to Kingston and Lake Ontario bypassing the route along the Saint Lawrence River 244 1907 Canadian major internal and cross border shipping routes including the proposed Georgian Bay Ship Canal In 1907 the Department of Public Works published a map proposing a shipping lane through the Georgian Bay Ship Canal route which would connect Georgian Bay to the Ottawa River through Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River Power generation EditA pulp and paper mill at Temiscaming and several hydroelectric dams have been constructed on the river In 1950 the dam at Rapides des Joachims was built forming Holden Lake behind it and thereby submerging the rapids and portages at Deux Rivieres 243 These hydro dams have had negative effects upon shoreline and wetland ecosystems 245 and are thought to also be responsible for the near extermination of American eels which were once an abundant species in the river but which are now uncommon 246 As an economic route its importance was eclipsed by railroad and highways in the 20th century It is no longer used for log driving however it is still extensively used for recreational boating Some 20 000 pleasure boaters visit the Carillon Canal annually 244 Today Outaouais Herald Emeritus at the Canadian Heraldic Authority is named after the river Hydroelectric installations Edit Hydroelectric installations on the Upper Ottawa in downstream order Installation Type Generating cap Year built Name of reservoir OperatorBourque Dam Dam n a 1949 Dozois Reservoir Hydro QuebecRapide 7 Generating station 48 MW 1941 1949 Decelles Lake Hydro QuebecRapide 2 Run of river g s 48 MW 1954 n a Hydro QuebecRapides des Quinze Run of river g s 95 MW 1923 n a Hydro QuebecRapides des Iles Run of river g s 147 MW 1966 n a Hydro QuebecPremiere Chute Run of river g s 130 MW 1968 n a Hydro QuebecLower Ottawa in downstream order Installation Type Generating cap Year built Name of reservoir OperatorOtto Holden Run of river g s 243 MW 1952 n a Ontario Power GenerationDes Joachims Run of river g s 429 MW 1950 Holden Lake Ontario Power GenerationBryson Run of river g s 61 MW 1925 n a Hydro QuebecChenaux Run of river g s 144 MW 1950 n a Ontario Power GenerationChute des Chats Chats Falls Run of river g s 185 MW 1931 Lac des Chats Hydro Quebec and OPG Hull 2 Run of river g s 27 MW 1920 n a Hydro QuebecCarillon Run of river g s 752 MW 1962 n a Hydro Quebec Ontario Power Generation operates generators 2 3 4 and 5 with a capacity of 96 MW and Hydro Quebec operates generators 6 7 8 and 9 with a capacity of 89 MW Ottawa River overlooking Parliament hill to the left and the Canadian Museum of History to the rightSee also Edit Ontario portalLac Deschenes List of Ontario rivers List of crossings of the Ottawa River List of islands of Ontario Ottawa River List of longest rivers of Canada Southern Ontario Eastern Ontario List of Quebec rivers Riviere des Mille Iles Riviere des PrairiesReferences Edit a b c d Facts about Canada Rivers Natural Resources Canada Atlas of Canada Archived from the original on 2013 01 22 Retrieved 2008 02 24 a b c The Ottawa River By the Numbers CBC October 16 2008 Retrieved May 9 2022 Monthly and Annual Mean Water Levels in Metres From 1950 Ottawa River at Carillon Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board Retrieved 2020 06 23 Anderson T W 1989 Vegetation changes over 12000 years Geos 3 39 47 Braun E L 1950 Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America The Blakiston Co Philadelphia PA a b Keddy P A 2008 Earth Water Fire An Ecological Profile of Lanark County General Store Publishing House Renfrew Ontario revised from first edition 1999 Catling P and V Brownell 1999 Pages 392 405 in the book Anderson R C J S Fralish and J M Baskin 1999 Savannas Barrens and Rock Outcrop Plant Communities of North America Cambridge University Press Cambridge UK Hughson J W and C C J Bond 1965 Hurling Down the Pine The Historical Society of the Gatineau Old Chelsea Quebec First edition 1964 Revised second edition 1965 Keddy C J 1993 Forest History of Eastern Ontario Prepared for the Eastern Ontario Model Forest Group Kemptville Howe C D 1915 The effect of repeated forest fires upon the reproduction of commercial species in Peterborough County Ontario Pages 116 211 in Forest Protection in Canada 1913 1914 Commission of Conservation of Canada William Briggs Toronto Henry M and P Quinby 2009 Ontario Old Growth Forests Fitzhenry and Whiteside Markham Ontario Darbyshire S J 1981 Upper Duck and Lower Duck Islands Trail and Landscape 15 133 139 a b Brunton D F 1992 Life Science Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest in Site District 6 12 A Review and Assessment of Significant Natural Areas Report prepared for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Kemptville Ontario Ecosystem Diversity Archived 2012 04 24 at the Wayback Machine ottawariverkeeper ca Retrieved on 2013 07 12 Keddy P A 2010 Wetland Ecology Principles and Conservation 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge UK Toner M and P Keddy 1997 River hydrology and riparian wetlands a predictive model for ecological assembly Ecological Applications 7 236 246 Brunton D F and B M Di Labio Diversity and ecological characteristics of emergent beach flora along the Ottawa River in the Ottawa Hull region Quebec and Ontario Naturaliste canadien 116 179 191 Day R P A Keddy J McNeill and T Carleton 1988 Fertility and disturbance gradients a summary model for riverine marsh vegetation Ecology 69 1044 1054 Alexandra Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Aylmer Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Basil Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Bate Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Beacon Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Beckett Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Bell Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Big Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Big Elbow Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Bruyere Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Burnt Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Butternut Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Carl Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Cedar Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Chapman Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Chartrand Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Chenaux Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Christie Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Clarence Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Coreille Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Corinne Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Cornelius Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Cotnam Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Crab Islands Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Cunningham Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Cushing Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Daisy Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Davis Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Deep River Islet Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Demers Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Dow Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Dunlop Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Dupras Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Dutch Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ellis Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Evelyn Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Farr Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Fish Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Fraser Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Fury Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Gibraltar Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Green Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Gutzman Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Hamilton Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Haycock Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada a b Morris Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Hazel Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Hen Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Hog Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Houston Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Chenier Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Chenail Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Ste Rosalie Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Irving Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Jamieson Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada John Joe Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Kate Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Kedey s Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada King Edward Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Latour Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Lemieux Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Lillian Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Lorne Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Louise Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Lower Duck Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Mackie Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Man Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Meadow Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Merrill Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Metcalf Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Miller Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Oak Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada O Meara Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Parker Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Pearl Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Pink Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Poker Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Princess Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ramsey Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Randolph Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Rempnouix Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Riopelle Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Rocher Capitaine Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ruby Islet Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Sack s Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Sandbar Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Santa Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Sawlog Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Shoal Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Short Turn Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Steamer Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Snake Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Sullivan Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Upper Duck Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Victoria Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Wabewawa Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Willson Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Windsor Island Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada L Ile Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Allen Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile aux Allumettes Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Armstrong Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Avelle Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Bald Rock Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Beique Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Iles Benny Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Bernard Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Bernardin Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Berry Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile a Bertrand Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Boom Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Bray Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Brisseau Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Brunet Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Bryson Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Cadieux Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Cobb Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile de Carillon Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Centre Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Chef Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Chenal Blind Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Chicot Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Iles a Cole Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du College Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile de la Compagnie Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile a Cowley Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile a Crepault Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile D Arcy Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Davidson Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Dog Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Dube Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile a Everill Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Fer a Cheval Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Finlandais Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Iles Finlay Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Fitzpatrick Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile au Foin Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Fox Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Fox Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile French Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Frigon Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Gagnon Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Rocher a Gillis Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Rochers aux Goelands Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Graham Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile du Grand Calumet Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Green Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Greene Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile a Griffin Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Harbec Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Hemlock Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Henry Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Hiam Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Jacey Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile John Park Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada 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Canada Ile Wight Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Young Pontiac Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Young Gatineau Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Ile Yvette Naubert Geographical Names Data Base Natural Resources Canada Paleontological Highlights OttawaRiverKeeper ca Archived from the original on June 24 2009 Retrieved December 15 2018 a b Chapman L J and D F Putnam 1984 The Physiography of Southern Ontario Third edition Ontario Geological Survey Special Volume No 2 Government of Ontario Toronto Champlain Sea Phase 2 hannover park org Archived from the original on August 9 2011 Retrieved 15 December 2018 Lake Nipissing Ontario s Historical Plaques Alan L Brown Retrieved 15 December 2018 Algonquin Land Claim with Ontario Ontario Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs Retrieved 2009 06 30 a b Ontario Heritage Foundation Ministry of Culture and Communications a b Carillon Canal National Historic Site of Canada Cultural Heritage Parks Canada Archived from the original on 2007 05 06 Retrieved 2009 02 09 Keddy P A 2010 Wetland Ecology Principles and Conservation 2nd edition Cambridge University Press Cambridge UK 497 p COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the American Eel in Canada PDF Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada pp 45 46 Retrieved December 15 2018 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ottawa River Ottawa Gatineau Watershed Atlas OGWA Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board Ottawa Riverkeeper The Ottawa River Algonkin History Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ottawa River amp oldid 1145401926, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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