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Les Amis de la Rivière Kipawa was formed June 22, 1998 in Laniel Quebec in response to a proposal from Hydro-Québec to divert the 16-km section of the Kipawa River from Lake Kipawa at Laniel Québec to Lake Temiscaming, through its proposed new Tabaret generating station.
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Our Mission and Goals
To protect the ecological and recreational values on the Kipawa River from Laniel to Lac Temiscamingue
To EDUCATE and INFORM people about the important historical, ecological, recreational, tourism, and heritage values on the Kipawa River.
To PROMOTE the wise use and conservation of the natural resources of the Kipawa for broad, long-lasting benefit of people.
To COLABORATE with the people of Laniel and Temiscaming Region, including the Algonquin People whose traditional territory the Kipawa River flows through, in the development of innovative uses for the river that will provide economic benefits while protecting the values of the Kipawa river for future generations.
To ADVOCATE at all levels (through municipal, provincial and national governments) for the conservation of the Kipawa River as an aquatic ecosystem and an important natural resource, and actively pursue formal legal protection for the river through designation as a park or protected area.
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| Our Projects and Activities
Kipawa River Rally:
Les Amis has been involved with the Kipawa River Rally since 1998, in partnership with Nolac, the white water paddling club that has been running the Rally since 1986.
Kipawa River Trail:
In 1999, Les Amis secured $28,500 in federal Millennium funding and entered into a partnership with the Municipality of Laniel to construct the Kipawa River Trail. Nolac donated a further $5,. The Ontario Voyageurs Kayak Club contributed $500, bringing the total paddling community investment in the trail to $34,000. Construction of the $106,000, 7-km long recreational trail along the Kipawa River was completed in 2001.
Public Awareness:
Les Amis has been involved in efforts to raise public awareness of the threats facing the Kipawa, for example through the presentation of a research paper at Energex 2002, an international conference in Europe, presentation at the Canadian Heritage Rivers Conference in 2004, development of several public awareness tools, pamphlets, video. Les Amis has also worked with Nolac and Esprit Rafting to introduce hundreds local people to the values of the Kipawa River through white water rafting trips.
Communications with Governments:
Les Amis is involved in communications with various levels of government to promote the protection of the ecological, natural and cultural heritage and recreational values of the Kipawa River.
Vigilence:
Les Amis monitors the activities hydro project proponents (including Hydro Québec) to ensure that they follow provincial and federal laws in promoting and seeking approvals for their projects, and that projects are based on basic principles of valued regional economic development, ecological integrity, sharing of resource values, and sustainable development.
Promoting Sustainable Development:
Les Amis actively promotes sustainable development in the Kipawa Region, seeking partnerships in projects that benefit the public, conserve valuable natural resources for future generations, and generate economic value.
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