Mapping nature’s pathways in the Outaouais
Dale Shutt
Local Journalism Initiative
Published in the Pontiac Journal on April 9, 2025.
CAMPBELL’S BAY – On March 24, the Outaouais Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CREDDO) held the second of three public consultations in Campbell’s Bay on the identification of ecological corridors in the region. These sessions give CREDDO a chance to connect with residents who know the land and to gather their insights, expectations, and concerns.
CREDDO is one of 17 regional environmental councils in Quebec. Its mandate is to bring together Outaouais stakeholders to address the region’s environmental challenges.
The current initiative aims to identify and promote the conservation of biodiversity and natural environments across the region. During the meeting, CREDDO presented a map of potential ecological corridors in the southern Outaouais, showing a 15-km-wide band stretching from Sheenboro to Bristol along the Ottawa River.
Under the Government Land-use Planning Guidelines (OGAT), which came into effect on December 1, 2024, MRCs in the Outaouais are required to integrate these ecological corridors into their land-use and development plans.
The mapping project considers the needs of wildlife, agriculture, forestry, tourism, and urban development. Its purpose is to balance various land uses, better connect planning and development, and help sustain the region’s vitality.
The CREDDO team will return in early summer to present its final report. Shortly afterward, work will begin on mapping ecological corridors in the northern Outaouais.
The CREDDO team shares a map of a potential ecological corridor stretching from Sheenboro to Bristol. L/R: Anne Budge, Étienne Parenteau Mauffette, Gabe Berthiaume, and Vincent Cameron Trudel. (DS)
