magazine / nd05
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November/December 2005 issue |
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Reverberations
Echoes from the Valley
I had the privilege and pleasure of working in the Ottawa
Valley (CG Sept/Oct 2005) for a number of years.
It is a beautiful and distinct part of our great country. I first heard the Valley accent
while working in the oil field business in Calgary. My boss, who was from Texas, spoke
with a very deep Southern drawl. A young man, who was born and raised in Carp, Ont., came
in to apply for a job. He entered the boss’s office, and after a few minutes, I was
summoned to act as an interpreter. Neither man could understand the other, even though
they each felt he had a good command of the English language!
Neil Butler
Kelowna, B.C.
In 1948, I met a young man at a boarding institution. He was the first and only person
I ever heard say that one held an item in the "pam" of one’s hand. His place
of origin was, I think, Renfrew.
Robert Cranley
Scarborough, Ont.
Compliments to James Raffan for his profile of the Ottawa Valley. I live in the City (Ottawa),
but for 27 years, my wife and I have had a cottage north of Shawville in the Pontiac. It
is a land so strikingly beautiful, with people so friendly, that we could never leave. But
we had never stopped at Annette Dagenais’ River Club Rivière Portage in Portage-du-Fort.
We remedied that right away. Raffan was right — it is quite the place. I half expected
to see my old buddy Delmer McGregor sitting at the bar.
Ken Rockburn
Ottawa
I enjoyed your article on the Ottawa Valley, but I wish there had been more exploration
of the better side of the Valley, in the Pontiac. Surely your writer could have ventured
farther into the Pontiac than its gateway at Portage-du- Fort. Your contributor calls us
insular, but we have become that way only because we always seem to be forgotten by the wider
world. And yet the Shawville annual fair draws more than 50,000 people. There must be something
here worth visiting.
Shawn Graham
Bristol, Que.
There is an unfortunate typo on page 49, which carries the eastern half of a map of the
Ottawa Valley. The town of L’Orignal, which is the French word for moose, is given
an extra "i" and identified as L’Original. Apart from this small blemish,
I really enjoyed the article on the Valley, particularly since the Canadian Rochesters stem
from Burnstown and Ottawa.
Michael Rochester
St. John’s
Long Point view
What a tremendous thrill to see Long Point Bay among Chris Hadfield’s photos from
space ("World view," CG Sept/Oct 2005).
For 40 years, we have boated, fished and swum in those waters. It’s one of Canada’s
greatest areas.
Jean R. Stewart
Otterville, Ont.
Moving mountains
Sid Marty’s tribute to Andy Russell ("Mountain man," CG Sept/Oct
2005) moved me deeply. I was raised in Montana, not far from Russell’s Alberta
stomping grounds, but I was never lucky enough to meet him or hear him speak. However,
my late father furnished me with all his books as soon as they came off the press. Russell’s
stories became the inspiration for my lifelong pursuit of intimate wilderness encounters.
I, too, have ridden horses alone through highcountry snowstorms and across the Flathead’s
beautiful rivers. And, like Russell, I’m saddened to see how the country that gave
so much to me and might have given as much to my grandchildren is being murdered for the
sake of more jobs.
For me, the long-forgotten quote Marty cited hit home: the responsibility for "fostering
a deep appreciation for other kinds of life" belongs to those of us who have experienced
first-hand the wonders that lie beyond strip malls, mini-putts and electrified campgrounds.
We who know must publicize our knowledge. If we do not, this generation and those that follow
will never understand the value of what is being and has been lost.
Patrick R. Chapin
Thunder Bay, Ont.
Remembering the romance
"Romancing the stone" (CG July/Aug 2005)
highlights a colourful episode related to Canada’s geology. In the fall of 1944, Bob
Christie and I were completing a several-day reconnaissance traverse west of the upper Omineca
River, and we crossed Mount Ogden from the west. There had been a lot of rain, and we were
soaking wet. On top of the mountain, the rain turned to snow and the temperature dropped,
so we became quite stiff with ice. We were travelling light — no tent, only a poncho/groundsheet — and
we slept under sheltering balsam or spruce trees at the timberline. We were anxious to get
down into tree cover, but we did map the structure of the serpentine and metamorphic rocks
as we descended.
When we reached the timber, our hands were so stiff we had trouble holding a match to start
a fire. But we finally got a blaze going, and I found a nice green rock to hold down a pole
on which we hung our cooking pot. As we thawed and the snow around the fire melted, we noticed
that our soup was heating on a pole held up by a magnificent piece of dark green nephrite
jade. Next morning, when the storm had abated, we realized that Mount Ogden was rich in nephrite
lenses and layers — more than we had seen anywhere else.
Bob died a couple of years ago, after a long career with the Geological Survey of Canada.
We both had a number of subsequent adventures; but whenever we met, we would recall that
very cold camp on Mount Ogden when we cooked Lipton soup with help from a boulder of wonderful
green jade, a generation before jade fever hit Canada.
Fred Roots
Sooke, B.C.
Wildwood time traveller
Don Gillmor’s article on the Winnipeg neighbourhood of Wildwood Park ("Wildwood
childhood," CG July/Aug 2005) was thoroughly
enjoyable. I have always been fascinated by urban planning and appreciated the background
information that Gillmor provided about other similar communities, most notably Radburn in
New Jersey. Not only did this background provide context, it also gave me a clearer understanding
of how Wildwood came to be. I felt as if I were travelling back in time, to a place where
manicured lawns and well-behaved children projected an image far different from reality.
I also appreciated Tom Carpenter and Steven Fick’s "À la carte" ("Neighbourhood
fusion"), which is always one of my favourite features. It was a fitting addition to
the article.
Patrick Labelle
Montréal
REVERBERATIONS ONLINE
Valley
G’day, G’day !!!!!
Just a little note to say thanks for the article on the Valley (CG Sept / Oct
2005) in the latest edition of Canadian Geographic. Unfortunately it makes me homesick!!
I’m a product of the Valley, being raised in Deep River by parents who were from Carleton
Place and Cobden.
My wife and I now live in Sarnia, Ontario with our kids, which seems to be about a million
miles from the Valley. Down here the people are forever asking me if I’m Irish or from
Cape Breton Nfld.
Thanks again for the trip down memory lane.
David Moffatt
Sarnia, Ont.
I have just finished reading your great and detailed article on ’The Valley’ by
James Raffan (CG Sept/Oct 2005). The photos
by David Barbour are great.
I have a cottage in the Valley on Kuiack Lake outside of Barrys Bay and Combermere. It
is a small quiet lake, which we all love and protect. I frequently have guests at my
cottage and they have fallen in love with the area, as well as my place. I have advised
them to see the Eganville caves, the restored St. Leonard’s church at Rockingham, plus
many private and secluded sites that I am familiar with, including the Al Capone hideout
at Quadville, Ontario and the various ghost towns. It is truly a gorgeous part of Canada,
and if one gets bored or lonely, in about 2 hours you can visit the splendor of Ottawa.
I personally attend the Blues Night Jam session at the Wilno Hotel when in the area, eat
the great food prepared by Joanne Yakabuskie and visit the various artisans’ galleries
with my cottage guests.
What a great article, and most of all, Canadian content publication. Keep up
the good work.
Gail A. Poppe
Congratulations on an excellent September/October issue. As a former resident of the Valley
(I worked for papers in Pembroke, Renfrew, Arnprior and Barry’s Bay while living in
Cobden, Douglas and Barry’s Bay), I found it to be a fascinating read, and a great
chance to reconnect with an area I came to love.
Andrew Wagner-Chazalon
After just completing a front to back read of your fine magazine, in particular, the cover
story on "The Valley" (CG Sept/Oct 2005),
I found myself feeling a bit homesick. It was a wonderful article and truly captured the
spirit of the people and the area I call home. I did, however, feel the article was a wee
bit "Ontario Focused", with only slight mention of the Pontiac. There’s another
side to "The Valley" that shares the same culture and history, if Mr. Raffen had
travelled past Portage.
Jim Little
Calgary, Alberta
I greatly enjoyed James Raffen’s story about the Ottawa Valley (CG Sept/Oct
2005). My wife and I recently completed a kayaking trip from Dunrobin to Portage du
Fort, and it was interesting to learn more about some of the places and people we had encountered.
It is truly all about the people, and that’s what made Raffen’s article such
a compelling read.
There is, however, one important correction to be made: Renfrew is not on the Ottawa River
as stated in the article. It’s about 10 km southwest of the river, on the opposite
side of Highway 17. It is in fact the Bonnechere River - after winding its way some 150 km
from Algonquin Park - that flows through the heart of Renfrew and meanders about 15 km before
tumbling over the picturesque First Chute and making its way into the mighty Ottawa near
the town of Castleford.
Keenan Wellar
Dunrobin, Ont.
"G’day G’day from da valley eh! How’s she goin?"
I’m sending this email on behalf of all my fellow "valley gals and fellas".
Thank you very much for profiling a very special region in Ontario in the last edition
of Canadian Geographic - the Ottawa Valley!!
Growing up in Barry’s Bay, I can definitely relate to many of the clichés
and cultural phenomena that truly define the Ottawa Valley. I’ve played junior hockey
in Renfrew (I still play for Carleton Place as I’ve returned to the "Valley Division" in
the EOJBHL once again), dined, drank and danced at the Wilno Tavern on days when the Polish
customers keep repeating that the food is "smachny" (delicious) and have heard
Barney McCaffrey rhyme off yarns of valley mysticism. The Renfrew and Arnprior fairs also
provide great valley memories.
Unfortunately, I am one of those "youngins" (as mentioned in the article) who
left for greener academic and professional pastures. Currently enrolled at the University
of Ottawa studying History I plan to return to the valley to teach after my contract positions
with Parks and my schooling is finished. There is simply no way I can deny my roots. Many
of my peers from high school dislike the valley for its lack of "popular culture" and
opportunity. However, I am constantly reminded that the valley is what has nursed our folk
for such a long time...if only the cityscapes were as friendly as the valley the world would
be a relaxed and better place. It is difficult to seal a deal with a handshake in the city,
but I still offer the hearty valley clench when a deal is struck.
Joshua C. Blank
Gatineau, Que.
Seabirds in the wake
The article "Seabirds in the Wake" in the September/October
2005 edition of Canadian Geographic reflects yet another tragic example of
the damage inflicted on the environment through the course of human endeavours.
Good laws and regulations only work if they are obeyed and are enforced. As the article
points out, there are shortcomings to both. There always seem to be a few "bad actors" that
ignore the rules and do not take the necessary care to mitigate the detrimental environmental
effects of their activities.
The real solution lies in the universal adoption of a "respect for all life" code
that recognizes that "we" are but one part of the environment, and our way of life
is linked to good stewardship of all of it. Hopefully a universal cultural change of that
magnitude will come to pass to realize Ryan’s dream that there are no oiled birds on
the beaches in the next 15 to 20 years.
Frank Thiele
Huntsville, Ont.
Guzzler growth
Nuclear reactions resurrected
I have been rather disappointed in the overwhelming number of advertisements for SUVs in
recent issues. A total of five ads appeared in September/October, preceded by the same number
in July/August; a shameful follow-up to Tom Carpenter’s article entitled, “Guzzler
Growth” (CG May/June 2005) which harshly criticized
these vehicles. I had always thought of Canadian Geographic as a magazine with deep
concerns for the environment; one of the main reasons that I subscribe. My hopes are that
in future issues this conflict of interest is no longer overlooked and that Canadian
Geographic does not become yet another example of an enterprise that succumbs to corporate
pressure at the expense of the environment.
Sandra McCubbin
Tom Carpenter notes that, "To many, sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are a symbol of
over consumption and of the Western world’s indifference to the environment and the
drivers of small cars", yet he does nothing to persuade us differently. He has the title, "Guzzler
Growth" (CG, May/June 2005) correct, but falls
into the trap of lumping all SUVs into that class and ignoring the many other guzzlers on
the road.
My wife and I each have an SUV. We live in hilly, snowy country and use their four-wheel
/ all-wheel drive quite often. We bought them for their capabilities, not for their looks.
I have a 1995 mid-size with a six-cylinder engine and without the towing package. I keep
it well maintained and get as good mileage as most six-cylinder vehicles of the same year.
My wife has a 2003 small size unit with a four-cylinder engine. It is similarly well maintained
and she gets better mileage than most of the 2003 six-cylinders. We care about the environment
and are in favour of small engines unless a large one is required for the job the vehicle
will be doing not just is capable of doing.
William C (Bill) Fraser
Salmon Arm, B.C.
World View
I really enjoyed Chris Hadfield’s article (“World View”, Sept
/ Oct 2005) with the photos taken from the space shuttle, in particular the photo of
Long Point. It is a very special and magical place, and brought back many wonderful memories.
I was fortunate enough to be able to work there for one summer, doing baseline biological
inventories for the Canadian Wildlife Service out on the point. It is an amazing place
in many ways, with unique habitats, diversity of plants and animals, and interesting history.
Every day I would think, "I can’t believe that I’m getting paid to do
this!” It is also where I met my husband.
Our son has also recently been enchanted by Long Point, as he spent ten days there this
past summer as part of the Young Ornithologist Workshop at the Long Point Bird Observatory.
He is hoping to return next summer to continue pursue his interest in ornithology. Thanks
to Chris Hadfield for including the photo of this special place in his article.
Mary Young
Corbeil, Ont.
I just got my September/October issue and I had to write
to tell you how much I enjoyed Chris Hadfield’s article and photos, “World View”.
For anyone looking for more fantastic photos from space, I would suggest they check out “Orbit:
NASA Astronauts Photograph the Earth” from the book division of National Geographic,
1996.
Sue Barlow
Manitouwadge, Ont.
Wildwood
Reading the article on “Wildwood childhood” brought back many wonderful memories
of the 35 years I lived in the park. My parents Jack and Christine McGee, E section #57
were original owners like the Denikes, Dyers, Grants, Dobbins, Ransbys, and Newmans etc.
I lived at # 57 for 16 years until I was married in 1963. In 1969 I returned to the park
with my own family # 327 (for 19 more years) and left in 1988 to live in Victoria, BC.
I thank my parent’s everyday (now deceased) for raising me in the most wonderful community
in the world. My own children also believe they were blessed by living in the park
Thank you for the article – Wildwood Childhood. I wish all children had such loving
community to grow up in.
Sybil Bagshaw
Nuclear
As a mineral processing engineer with 20 years+ experience in the Australian coal industry,
after having left Canada for an adventure down-under, I found your article on the Canadian
nuclear power industry of great interest. Your article provided the background of the history
of the Canadian industry for your readers. I believe this perspective is very relevant and
valuable in the context of the energy crisis that is now gripping the world.
Notwithstanding the apparent fits and starts of the industry and the good news/ bad news
history and politics, Canada does have a good record in the nuclear industry. There have
been no meltdowns and, in spite of the questions your article raises on safety issues, AECL
remains a reliable supplier of nuclear stations. Understanding the substantial complexity
of a nuclear station, I believe that the Canadian engineers have done a terrific job in providing
a quality product to the world. It is something in which Canada should take pride.
I did find that your article seemed to lose the way, however. You state that Ontario is
short of hydro, has no coal, no gas but has an energy-hungry population and industry. You
point out the problem of instability of gas supply and also put a 60-year limit on the gas
supply.
If Ontario does not go nuclear for its future supplies of energy, where do you propose
it goes? Your article did fail to come to grips with this issue. Lots ’cons’ but
not many ’pros’.
Face it Ontario! You really have no option. Work with the engineering fraternity to reduce
the capital and operating costs of the stations and the lead-time on construction; work with
the researchers to provide a PRAGMATIC solution to nuclear waste disposal issue and get on
with it.
Canada has a reputation for soul-searching and debate and endless consideration of the
position of special interest and vocal groups. In this case, you are running out of time.
Geoff Lyman
Sage strutters
What a delightful article. Wayne Lynch’s "Sage Strutter" in your July/August
issue alone makes the subscription worthwhile.
I think I might however, take issue with one fact stated in the article - that the Greater
Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) is not found north of the 49th parallel. If this actually
is correct then it can only have been a very recent further deterioration in this birds distribution.
I probably possess more bird books than I really need, but two sizeable volumes would agree
with me. Admittedly W. Earl Godfrey’s book, "The
Birds of Canada", was published in 1979, but the 5th. edition of James F. Clements "Birds
of the World — a Checklist" was 2000 and they specify "prairies of Alberta,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba" and "south-central Canada" respectively. Interestingly,
it was the Canadian postal authorities that in 1980 issued a 17c. stamp of this very species,
which is included in my collection of stamps of birds throughout the world.
There are a number of internet websites specific to Greater Prairie Chicken and almost
all, when reporting on distribution, state that whilst not widespread or common, it does
still appear in south-central Canada. So please, let’s hear it for this handsome Canadian
species!
Bob Wilks
Wales, U.K.
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* Letters may be edited for length, accuracy and liability.
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