Journey through time with Bay of Quinte online journal

A new interactive online map will help you journey through time.

The Bay of Quinte History Journal  explores the evolution of the bay’s waterfront from its industrial past to present day.

“As communities were established around the Bay, it was their proximity to the waterfront that allowed industries to grow and the communities to prosper. Waterways were the transportation corridors for most goods and services, said Sarah Midlane-Jones, communications with the Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan. “Today, we recognize the errors of our past water uses and are rehabilitating our waterfronts. Now, we value them for: parklands, recreational trails, marinas, and in many areas, the source of our drinking water.”

In 1985, the Bay was designated an Area of Concern (AOC), which is an area where human activities have severely degraded the environment. Each AOC had to develop and implement a comprehensive Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to address the environmental issues. Since the development of the RAP numerous federal and provincial agencies, municipalities, industries, conservation authorities and the public have been working to complete all the recommendations outlined in the RAP.

“Over the years, there have been significant changes and improvements to the Bay’s waterfront. Now, there is abundant fish and wildlife habitat, facilitating a world-class walleye and bass fishery. Industrial sites have been rehabilitated and are used for community activities,” said Midlane-Jones. “There have been upgrades to sewage treatment plants, stormwater management plans have been developed, and abatement strategies implemented for industries.”

Today, the Bay is close to having its Area of Concern status removed and is recognized as a gem in the Great Lakes system.

The history journal map is designed to be a living document, meaning it can be updated regularly. If community members have information or photos they think would enhance the storyline of this map they are encouraged to submit them. Contact Sarah by email at smidlanejones@bqrap.ca. People can also upload photos to the map’s social media page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bay-of-Quinte-Remedial-Action-Plan

www.bqrap.ca