CPAWS-Ottawa Valley Chapter

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s Ottawa Valley chapter (CPAWS-OV) was founded 55 years ago when a group of concerned  citizens united to oppose large-scale development within Gatineau Park. After successfully halting those plans, the group realized there was an ongoing need to protect the region’s wild spaces for  future generations. Today, CPAWS-OV continues to advocate tirelessly for the conservation of  public lands and waters across the Ottawa Valley, an area twice the size of New Brunswick. 

CPAWS-OV has played a key role in establishing protected areas over five decades, most  recently an 1,800 km² conservation zone along the Noire and Coulonge rivers in the MRC Pontiac.  This area is home to rare and endangered species, ancient forests, and vital wetlands, and lies on the  ancestral and traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Peoples. The project was achieved  in partnership with Kitigan Zibi, reflecting CPAWS-OV’s commitment to collaboration with  Indigenous communities. 

Ongoing campaigns include seeking legislative protections for the National Capital Greenbelt and  Gatineau Park and advancing the establishment of new protected areas such as the Madawaska  Highlands. Located between Algonquin Park and Adirondacks Park, the Madawaska Highlands are  also part of the ancestral lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Peoples. 

As a charitable organization, CPAWS-OV depends on the generosity of its community to support its  mission. Working alongside governments, First Nations, businesses, and other organizations,  CPAWS-OV remains committed to safeguarding nature for the benefit of current and future  generations.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is a national registered charity with regional  chapters in every province and territory except Nunavut. Dedicated to protecting public lands and  waters, CPAWS uses knowledge-based advocacy, public education, and engagement, guided by  collaboration and partnerships.