Dead: The Act to Amend the National Capital Act
Bill C-37: An Act to Amend the National Capital Act has died in committee now that the government has prorogued Parliament.
C-37 was aimed at updating the law that governs the NCC and in particular the management of Gatineau Park.
From the House of Commons Website:
The 2nd session of the 40th Parliament was prorogued on Wednesday December 30, 2009.
The prorogation of Parliament ends a session. During a period of prorogation, all committee activity ceases and, as such, all orders of reference and committee studies lapse. No committee can sit during a prorogation. The only aspect of a committee's work which survives prorogation is a request for a government response to a committee report.
Wanakiwin Yurt
Susan is thinking of checking out the Gatineau Park's newest yurt. GuideGatineau is planning at some point to do a video about it (I caught it on video during construction). If you have impressions on the Wanakiwin Yurt or have stayed in it let us know.
Rock Climbing Planned Near Park
While rock climbing may be coming under increased restriction along the Eardly Escarpment a Catholic church just down the street from Gatineau Park is planned to be converted to a rock climbing centre.
Rain Snow Rain Snow
Environment Canada calling for continued freezing rain today followed by snow and ice pellets tonight amounting to 5 or 10 cm, above freezing temperatures on Sunday will mean more rain but Monday the temperatures will be below freezing and we should see snow once more.
Dog / Bear Story
A pet enthusiast site reports that a Labrador/ Shepherd mix, scared off a bear that was threatening a park runner.
Steam Train to Chelsea
The steam train to Wakefield may in future make a stop in Chelsea according to Le Droit.
Skier – Snowshoer Conflicts?
A post at XCOttawa asks if skiers are seeing an increase of snowshoe use on the ski trails.
The rough statistics I've seen from the NCC estimate 200,000 cross country ski visits in a season and as many as 50,000 snowshoe visits.
I myself have noted an increased number of snowshoe tracks this year even over last.
Snowshoers likely do not recognize the damage to the trails that are perceived by skiers and since snowshoeing has grown in popularity so quickly it is likely not everyone out on snowshoes knows that some trails are designated for skiing only, while others are designated for snowshoeing.
Both at XCOttawa and at Harold Blount's back country ski page the recommendation is to politely mention incorrect trail use but avoid conflict and certainly to notify the NCC; both to a parking attendant (if one is there) and to the NCC itself either in person at the Visitor Centre (33 Scott in Old Chelsea) or by phone 819-827-2020 or email [email protected]
The NCC indicated in February of 2009 that improved signage was in process to help resolve this issue.
Minister Cannon Disappointed with C-37 Progress
Le Droit posted a story on Bill C-37, the bill that aims to bring better protection to Gatineau Park as well as adjust governance of the NCC.
Here is an English translation of the article (disclosure - this translation provided to GuideGatineau by Jean-Paul Murray):
“NCC Legislation: Cannon’s Bill Seriously Revised,” by Patrice Gaudreault, Le Droit, December 23, 2009, p. 6.
Photo caption: The bill sponsored by MP Lawrence Cannon was supposed to provide better protection for Gatineau Park, but it also affects the National Capital Commission’s administration, which is delaying its adoption.
The National Capital Commission (NCC) bill isn’t enjoying the degree of unanimity its sponsor, federal minister Lawrence Cannon, would have hoped for.
CBC Coverage of Back Trail Grooming Stoppage
CBC aired the fact that the National Capital Commission would not be grooming the expert back country ski trails in Gatineau Park.
Interestingly all the reaction to this change has been positive so far, both here at GuideGatineau, in the CBC report and in the limited number of comments received.