MP Gallant helps officially re-open CFB Petawawa beaches

June 18, 2007

WEGNER POINT – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant together with Lieutenant Colonel Dave Rundle officially re-opened the beaches along CFB Petawawa Saturday afternoon.

“This has been a long time coming but at last boaters along the Ottawa River can stop and enjoy these pristine beaches,” MP Gallant said.

The dockside ceremony included comments by Petawawa Mayor Bob Sweet, CFB Petawawa Base Commander Lt.-Col. Dave Rundle and MP Gallant. Following the speeches a flotilla of approximately 20 boats made their way from the Petawawa Yacht Club up river to Wegner Point for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

MP Gallant and Lt.-Col. Dave Rundle cut the ribbon that was extended across the stern of all the boats moored on the beach.

“Once again I commend Lt.-Col. Rundle for his leadership in helping to complete the clearing of the beaches. He has been instrumental is ensuring this program continues, and I know many boaters are very grateful,” MP Gallant said.

The $5-million project to rid the beaches along the Ottawa River of Unexploded Explosive Ordnance took four summers to complete, beginning in 2002, when the beaches were closed and the public was first alerted to the potential dangers lurking in the sand and water. The hazard zone stretched approximately 6.5 kilometres from Black Point to Black Bear Beach along the north bank of the river next to the base. A section of Chalk Bay and Green Island remains closed to boaters.

Landmarks in between include Angler Point, Wegner Point, Gust Point and Kiska Beach. The affected area comprised 27 hectares of beach and 167 hectares of river bottom. Beachcombers are still directed to call 911 should they find any metal objects.

For more information about the Department of National Defence’s UXO Legacy Program go to their website at www.uxocanada.forces.gc.ca.

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For More Information Please Call Cheryl Gallant, M.P. at (613) 732-4404