Ecological corridors thru Aylmer, Pontiac

In 2012, the National Capital Commission (NCC) completed a study on ecological preservation and biodiversity around Gatineau Park. The study focused on the importance of ecological corridors for the movement of wildlife around the Park.

Specific corridors were identified around Gatineau and throughout the Outaouais, including in Aylmer, around Deschênes, as well as in the Pontiac and Gatineau Hills.

“The ecological sustainability of Gatineau Park affects the whole region, including its economy,” said the NCC’s communications officer Cédric Pelletier.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) backs the concept of ecological corridors. “Ecological corridors are a good idea,” said John McDonnell, the Executive Director of the Ottawa Valley Chapter of CPAWS. “The NCC study is very good; the challenge is that they are not working with the municipalities and other stakeholders to promote the corridors or secure them.”

McDonnell says there can be resistance in municipalities against these protected corridors because farmers may feel they are an attempt to expropriate their land, but, he argues, residents have to see that ecological areas can preserve not only the environment, but a community’s character. “If communities get behind the idea of ecological areas, this can prevent things like industrial parks from moving in and can help maintain the natural features in areas like Aylmer,” said McDonnell.

He also suggested several measures for citizens of Aylmer to help preserve the ecology of their areas, especially close to the corridor in Deschênes.

“The first is to get to know your area,” McDonnell said. “Document animals or unusual plants you come across and share this with CPAWS and the NCC.”

McDonnell also stressed that if citizens want an ecological corridor to facilitate the movement of wildlife, they should avoid putting impassable fences around their property.

“I know the tendency is to fence off property, but having a more porous demarcation, such as a hedge, can help with the free movement of wildlife,” he said. “Also, maintaining tree cover and avoiding invasive species will help preserve the ecological character of the area.”