June 10, 2004
Folks around Lake Temiskaming, as well as boaters from across the country, have good reason to be happy. In the summer of 2002, Canadian hydrographic navigational technicians and boating crews worked to gather data on the long narrow waterways of Lake Temiskaming. Crews were out for much of the summer’s weeks collecting data on the lake depths and identifying hazards to navigation.
While charts are available for the Ottawa River, many boaters do not want to boat on Lake Temiskaming because it is not charted. In addition, Lake Temiskaming is part of the Lake Temiskaming Ottawa River Waterway, which spans 500 km from Ottawa to Notre-Dame du Nord. With plans to complete the construction of lifts along the waterway in the near future, outdoor enthusiasts will be able to travel from Ottawa to Lake Temiskaming by boat. This will open up the door for a lot more tourists to enjoy the beauty and appreciate the history of the Waterway.
The lack of charts was seen as being a deterrent to attracting tourists to the area. Linda Côté of South Temiskaming Community Futures says, “Every summer, our area is filled with boating enthusiasts. We are always looking for ways to increase our tourist numbers. The summer months are crucial to our local economy.”
The project got a head start through an innovative partnership arrangement with the local communities and economic development groups from both Ontario and Quebec. Côté explains that, “Without this partnership, the project wouldn’t have made it past first base. By pooling our resources and efforts, we were able to secure $500,000 in funding.”
The goal is to have the project finished with charts produced by June 2004. This will allow for an increase in traffic on the lake and a natural boost to the local economy. Boaters don’t just boat. They stop at towns along the shores, rent cottages, stay in resorts, eat in restaurants, take advantage of local tourist attractions, and pick up a brochure about the areas exciting winter activities. This all adds up to a more vibrant local economy and a raised awareness of the region’s beauty and history.
Brian Hughes, Councillor for the City of Temiskaming Shores says, “The charting of Lake Temiskaming has already produced net benefits. At the Toronto Boat show in January (2004), we had many enquiries about charts not only from recreational boaters, but serious fishermen as well. We were pleased to let them know that the charts will be available by the time they arrive this summer. This project is a win-win situation for the local economy, as well as for the many people who enjoy our Lake.”
Partners agree that the key factor to the success of this project from the idea stage right through to the end product, has been working together with a common goal. Partners include: the South Timiskaming Community Futures; La Société d’aide au développement des collectivites du Témiskamingue in Québec; and the municipalities of Haileybury, New Liskeard, Témiskaming, Ville Marie and Notre-Dame du North. Funding has also been provided through FedNor and from Canada Economic Development for the Quebec Regions.