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WWF-recommended ‘wild’ and ‘heritage’ rivers receive additional safeguards

Toronto – Transport Canada is safeguarding wild and free-flowing rivers of significant ecological and cultural value based on World Wildlife Fund Canada recommendations.

Twenty-five wild and free-flowing rivers and Canadian Heritage Rivers will receive additional oversight under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, as they have officially been added to the List of Scheduled Waters by Transport Canada. 

This action prioritizes rivers of significant ecological and cultural value and is a step forward towards safeguarding these national treasures, the WWF-Canada said in a news release.

The amended Canadian Navigable Waters Act, which came into effect in August, proposed an opportunity to safeguard more of Canada’s major rivers. Based on World Wildlife Fund Canada’s recommendation, Transport Canada introduced a proposal to expand the existing list of waterways that receive additional oversight.

The proposed additions include 25 wild rivers and Canadian Heritage Rivers, including six of the 10 rivers WWF-Canada prioritized in its wild and free-flowing rivers report.

WWF-Canada engaged their supporters to share feedback to Transport Canada in support of making this addition official. Almost 3,400 WWF supporters sent emails to ensure these rivers get the due diligence they deserve.