LETTER

Preserve, don’t destroy Deschenes rapids

 

Recent reports in the media warn that the Quebec Ministry of Transportation is considering demolishing the landmark ruins of the historic Dam at the Deschenes Rapids, for security (safety) reasons. Canada's National Trust is calling for nominations for Canada's Top 10 Endangered Places. I propose that the APA/AHA (Aylmer Heritage Association), in consultation with the Deschenes Residents Association and other groups, submit the nomination of the Deschenes Dam Ruins as soon as possible. The deadline is March 31.

This historic heritage site is a visual reminder of the importance of the Ottawa River in our region's development and it remains witness to the remarkable talent, drive and foresight of 19th century local entrepreneurs, William and Robert Conroy. In harnessing the energy of the mighty Ottawa to provide early electrical power, they made possible electrically driven transportation for the Hull Electric Railway, the first street cars that united people from both sides of the River. Today families walking or cycling along the river path through Deschenes are attracted to this site; they marvel at the feat of engineering undertaken by those early settlers.

What a loss it would be if the ruins are removed. The Deschenes Rapids is one of the best kept secrets in the region. Instead of destroying part of the site's history, we should ensure that all levels of government protect and preserve the ruins so that future generations can be touched by the beauty of the site, and be in awe of the amazing ability of those who dared to harness the raging rapids without the aid of our modern technology.   

The Conroy dam and hydro electric plant were completed in 1895. The year 2020 will mark 125 years since that achievement. What better way to celebrate than with a site that preserves the remaining ruins and ensures they will continue to interpret our past. A start could be a concerted effort to join in pursuing this cause by contacting the Ville de Gatineau to register support for their negotiating efforts with Quebec. The project might aptly be named Vision 2020!

Enid Page
Aylmer/Ottawa