Cathy Fox
Published online November 5, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
SHAWVILLE – Pontiac Environmental Protection (PEP) held its annual general meeting October 29 at the Shawville Community Lodge.
President Deborah Powell opened the meeting with a land acknowledgement, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous stewardship and collaboration in protecting the environment.
Powell reviewed the group’s activities over the past year, noting PEP’s continued support for the Kebaowek First Nation in its court challenges against the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). The Supreme Court ruled that the CNSC failed to uphold its duty to consult in a manner consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and did not adequately consider UNDRIP in its decision-making process. Appeals are ongoing, and members continue to attend hearings and rallies and provide written and financial support.
Members discussed whether to maintain the organization’s seat on the Table régionale de gestion intégrée des ressources et du territoire public de l’Outaouais (TRGIRTO), noting that other groups such as CREDDO and CPAWS already provide strong representation.
The Ottawa River Institute invited PEP to collaborate on a water education forum, and members agreed to offer local contacts and visibility. Several members also continue to support municipal composting initiatives, while others, including Jian Zhang, Linda Davis, and Christine Anderson, were running in municipal elections on environmentally focused platforms.
The group also noted that modifications to the chimney stack at Dr. S.E. McDowell Elementary in Shawville have not yet attracted the return of chimney swifts, but the structure remains ready for when the birds come back.
Founded during earlier anti-nuclear campaigns, PEP continues to promote environmental awareness and citizen involvement. PEP invites interested residents to join its mailing list for updates and upcoming events by e-mailing peppontiac@gmail.com.
