Joe Kowalski has made it his mission in life to preserve part of the historic Ottawa River. In 1989, he lobbied the federal government to create a national park on the section of the Ottawa River in Whitewater Region. While unsuccessful, Kowalski took matters into his own hands and was able to acquire almost 4,000 acres of land on both sides of the Ottawa River in Ontario and Quebec. He says the concept of the “National Whitewater Park” is slowly becoming a reality.
Kowalski talked about protecting the greatest municipal asset in Whitewater Region for generations to come.
Kowalski says selling lots on Voyageur Bay has provided funding for this endeavor and notes the section he’s looking to develop is an attractive area that is not part of the original Ottawa River.
Kowalski appeared before Whitewater Region Township Council on February 1st, 2023, looking for support to create an additional eight waterfront lots on Voyageur Bay.
Kowalski says a subdivision plan would be onerous, and by completing the project at Voyageur Bay he could bring hydro to the area. Some of the permanent residents who live there currently use a combination of propane and solar power. Two of the neighbours who live in the Voyageur Bay area supported the proposed development and say this is a good thing for Whitewater Region.
Councillor Bell said the Township has to be careful about breaking up what makes Whitewater Region so special and don’t pave over everything. Councillor Olmstead also commented that they have to be careful about where development happens. Olmstead says this development is the right thing, but doesn’t think it should be done every kilometer up the Ottawa River.
Council supported the official plan amendment to create eight additional lots. Township staff key pieces that would have been dealt with through a plan of subdivision will be dealt with through a consent severance process.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
