Three Rivers watershed which consists of the
Montague/Valleyfield, Brudenell and Cardigan
rivers was recently nominated to become a Canadian Heritage River.
The nomination is the first phase of the process to having the river designated
a Canadian Heritage River. To be considered a
natural heritage river it must be judged by the Canadian Rivers Board to have
outstanding human heritage and/or natural heritage.
The Canadian Heritage Rivers System was established in 1984 by the federal,
provincial and territorial governments to give national recognition to the
important rivers of Canada, to conserve the best examples of Canada's river heritage and to encourage the public to learn about and
appreciate Canada's many rivers. Currently, there are thirty eight rivers
across the country that are recognized for their cultural, historical and
recreational value.
Hillsborough River is the only river on P.E.I. that has been recognized a
Canadian Heritage River as of 1997. One of the most important steps in
achieving heritage status is attaining a high level of public support.
TheThree Rivers Heritage Association is trying
to raise the awareness of the historical and recreational value of the
Three Rivers watershed. Its historical
significance is not well known and its recreation potential is often under
appreciated. If the Three Rivers were
recognized as a heritage river, it would ensure that all Canadians would be
aware of the importance of this area now and in the future.
Three Rivers is an area of P.E.I. that is rich
in history. It is the site of one of the first French settlements on P.E.I.
constructed by Jean Pierre Roma in 1732. Roma and
the many settlers that came with him constructed buildings, wharfs and roads
on this settlement. Three Rivers would become the center for shipbuilding,
timber export, the commercial fishing industry and merchant trade
in the early 17th and 18th centuries. Three Rivers
was the birth site of A.A. MacDonald, one of the fathers of Confederation and
was home to one of the last Gaelic speaking Islanders.
The Three Rivers Heritage Association is not
only promoting the historical significance of the Three Rivers
watershed but also the recreational potential of this area. This area has
endless possibilities for leisure and recreation.
It is an ideal location for swimming, camping, boating, hiking and bird
watching. The combination of rivers, farmland, woodland and beaches makes the
Three Rivers Area a versatile part of P.E.I. and
one that should be significant to all who visit this area.
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