McKenna: Swimming strategy will be Ottawa's masterstroke

Ottawa municipal elections underway Inside, but so far there is one item. You are unlikely to find a promising candidate — Swimming Strategy.

Swimming strategies that open rivers and lakes to recreational swimming are at the top of the agenda in an increasing number of cities, including Paris, London, Copenhagen, Berlin and Vancouver.

For example, as water quality improved, new facilities such as floating beaches and small parks along the Seine emerged. Last month, London announced it would welcome swimmers at Canary Her Wharf in the financial district. The transformation of Copenhagen's Nyhavn River from a polluted industrial port into a swimmable paradise 20 years ago is an urban planning legend. Berlin is working hard to make the Central Canal, which runs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an oasis for swimming. And this summer, Vancouver declared its ambition to become Canada's most swimmable city.

Decontaminating famous waterways and building coastal recreational facilities are highly visible voters that open up recreational, social and economic opportunities.

So what about Ottawa, the confluence of three rivers and the terminus of a famous canal? Make it as safe, accessible and fun as putting on your skates and playing on the ice in February, swimming in Dows Lake or doing laps in the canals in the summer.

There are four cases of swimming strategy:

We expect to swim in rivers and lakes in the United States, but local governments need to get serious about removing pollutants. This means doing the important work of dredging or covering historical waste so that local water systems can cope with more frequent storms that drain sewage into waterways. The storms are intensifying, making the work even more urgent. The Ottawa River Action Plan has provided a partial blueprint, with Ottawa Riverkeeper and Swim Drink Fish continuing to press. A triathlete crossed Dows Lake in 2019. There were no concerns about the results of the water quality test.

Second, as temperatures are rising due to climate change, the use of outdoor swimming spaces to cool off is becoming an increasingly important factor in protecting residents from extreme heat. It can be a low-cost part of your strategy. Lucky Ottawans look forward to cooling off in the air-conditioning, backyard pool, or cottage lakefront. That option is not available to many residents. But while we can make the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers and the Rideau Canal a summer amenity accessible to all, we can help promote swimming and water safety for children and beginners.

Third, creating swimming attractions in canals and rivers will promote local tourism. The world's largest skating rink, the Winter Skateway attracts more than 20,000 skaters every day and generates over $200 million in economic activity each season. The National Capital Board Pavilion will become a beloved winter feature, enhancing the skating experience. NCC's Summertime Bistro and new access points point the way forward.

Finally — Sounds like fun. Now that the past few years have passed, we need something new that brings us together with playfulness.We've seen how important open public spaces are during the pandemic. Looking around the world, the best new swimming parks are creative spaces that incorporate quirky design to enhance accessibility and charm. Think gigantic, stylized boat bows to jump off, floating beaches dotted with oversized colorful muskoka chairs, and winding promenades that lead to the water where you can enjoy a picnic with friends.

Too many people think of Ottawa as a winter city, or a boring city, but throughout spring, summer and fall, Ottawa is alive with festivals and events. Swimming in rivers and canals can also be an iconic part of summer. All we need now are local government candidates who are willing to take the plunge.

Katherine McKenna is a former MP for Her Center in Ottawa and Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Infrastructure and Communities. She is the founder and president of Climate and Nature Solutions and chairs the UN Secretary-General's expert group working on greenwashing.She is also an open water swimmer.

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