A fall history walk along Brewery Creek

Posted on by Kat Kavanagh

Last Thursday, Mark and I went out with Sheila, John and their lovely dog Breezy to get an update on testing at Brewery Creek. We were treated to the history of the creek (it was the portage route around Chaudiere Falls for the Algonquins), learned about the local homeless encampment along the creek (they were over capacity this year and did a lot of clear-cutting on the banks), and got updates on their efforts to figure out what sewage is being dumped there (rates are well over the healthy levels and have peaked at 8000, way more than the 300 safe for paddling).

Sheila checking the watergauge near the creek's entrance from the Ottawa. We spoke about including water gauge readings in our app, but there's so many ways of installing and reading them. Nothing is simple!
Sheila checking the watergauge near the creek’s entrance from the Ottawa. We spoke about including water gauge readings in our app, but there’s so many ways of installing and reading them. Nothing is simple!
Sheila and John worked with the NCC to plant a native plant garden near the creak. Since the ground is contaminated and there are lots of inactive pumps, they had to build above ground. They are hoping their garden will be part of defining the space, which is used as a sculpture park in the summer.
Sheila and John worked with the NCC to plant a native plant garden near the creak. Since the ground is contaminated and there are lots of inactive pumps, they had to build above ground. They are hoping their garden will be part of defining the space, which is used as a sculpture park in the summer.

 

There are bike paths around most of the creek and they are making plans near the beginning for ice skating. They are, like most organizations, striking a balance between people using it and leaving nature to its own devices.
There are bike paths around most of the creek and they are making plans near the beginning for ice skating. They are, like most organizations, striking a balance between people using it and leaving nature to its own devices.

Thank you again!

As always, Sheila and John have been so amazing at teaching us about why the creek is so important, displaying so much passion for its history and preservation, and showed us how testing can make a real difference! We’re looking forward to sitting with them next week to enter their data into our app!