Before we can learn about the Raisin River Conservation Authority itself, we must first understand what a Conservation Authority is and what it does.
The groundwork for Conservation Authorities began half a century ago when conservationists and the provincial government joined forces to design an arrangement for organized conservation of natural resources. This effort concluded in the Conservation Authorities Act of 1946.
However, the real birth of Conservation Authorities did not occur until after 1954, the year Hurricane Hazel struck Metropolitan Toronto area claiming 81 lives and piling up approximately $75 million in property and other damages. Much of this devastation resulted because uncontrolled development of our rivers had taken place.
Because of the consequences of this natural disaster, people realized that development along our waterways had to be carefully managed. The lead agencies assigned to carry out this crucial flood plain management task were the Conservation Authorities. All aspects of water management are now integrated into Conservation Authority plans and projects.
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (or RRCA as is it more commonly recognized) is an organization that helps to improve our environment. It is managed by the Gray's Creek Conservation Area which is located in immediately east of the Cornwall City limits.
The RRCA was formed in 1963 and has enlarged twice to now enclose 570 square miles in Eastern Ontario, extending along the St. Lawrence from the Quebec border to just west of Ingleside and north to include parts of Kenyon, Roxborough, and Lochiel Townships. The major streams included in this area are the Raisin River and branches, the Garry River, the Delisle River, Hooples Creek, and of course the St. Lawrence. The tributaries of these streams are also under the Authority's jurisdiction.
The RRCA also supports such activities as Cooper Marsh and the Gray's Creek Conservation Authority (which are explained in more detail). The RRCA has also been involved in cutting navigation channels through aquatic waterbeds in the St. Lawrence River. Another undertaking of the RRCA was the stabalization of the historic Martintown Grist Mill. The Authority also carries on a forestry program. Approximately 20,000 seedlings are planted annually.
Also, the Garry River Management Area includes 1,215 acres and is managed under a long-term lease from the town of Alexandria. One of the management objectives is to guarantee the town's water supply. Other benefits include maintenance of wildlife habitat, forest management, recreation and flood control.
The RRCA's mandate is to conserve, restore and develop local natural resources other than oil, gas, coal, and minerals. Flood plain management continues to be a top priority. Funding is provided to the Authority through municiple taxes, provincial and federal grants and private donations.
The Province of Ontario suffers losses in the millions of dollars annually from floods. Major floods have resulted in the loss of life and have endangered the health and wellbeing of entire communities.
Just like the Building Code is meant to ensure our residences and places of work are safe places to live, flood plain requests are meant to ensure that what we do in flood plain areas now, will not have disastrous results later.
The construction of buildings or the placing or moving of fill in flood plain areas also affects the degree to which upstream and downstream areas are affected by floods. It makes sense to take reasonable steps to avoid increasing the risk to others when we have the know-how to do it.
The 107-acre Gray's Creek Conservation Area and Marina complex is the Authority's second-largest active centre and provides a full range of services. With 600 metres of frontage on both sides of Gray's Creek, this picturesque family park consists of both treed and open areas. Approximately 10 per cent of the area is young hawthorn and ash.
Groomed trails wind for 2.3 kilometers providing ideal wildlife and nature viewing for warm-weather strollers as well as cross-country skiers during winter months. Day use facilities include barbecues, play areas, picnic shelter and tables. Washrooms and water are available at the nearby workshop building. For the model aircraft enthusiast, a small asphalt runway has been installed. The conservation area can be booked for group picnics or other recreational events by contacting the Raisin Region Conservation Authority Office.
The Gray's Creek Conservation Area also has a marina that is located at the mouth of Gray's Creek. The Authority owned and operated Gray's Creek Marina provides immediate access to the popular boating and fishing grounds of the St. Lawrence RIver. The marina basin comfortably provides 108 open slips which are rented during the boating season. Support facilities include a large parking area, launching ramp, sewage pump out and a service building which handles sales of gas, oil and other marine sundries.
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