The deadline to submit an entry for an awards program run by the Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy (RCLS) is fast approaching. The 2017 Recognition Awards Program is in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Rideau Canal becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Canada’s 150th birthday. Its goal is to recognize projects that have enhanced and honoured the value of the Rideau Canal over the past decade.
“The Rideau Canal is one of the cornerstones of the creation of Canada,” says Doug Struthers, Chair of RCLS. “This is our opportunity to celebrate these projects and bring attention to the significant value the canal has to our communities.”
The awards program will celebrate projects in several categories including: Environmental stewardship, Design (urban and rural), Heritage conservation and promotion, Community building, Economic development (major and minor) and a youth award. The competition is open to all individuals, children and youth (up to age 18), schools, businesses, community groups and organizations within the 13 municipalities along the Rideau Canal corridor.
The deadline for nominations is this Friday, June 30, at 4pm. You can find a link to the application form and instructions about submitting a nomination on the Merrickville-Wolford website. Winners will be notified in August and awards will be presented at a gala at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smiths Falls in the Fall.
The Rideau Corridor Landscape Strategy was formed in 2009 to help preserve and enhance the qualities of the Rideau Canal that made it eligible for the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is comprised of representatives from all 13 municipalities along the corridor, the 3 counties, 2 conservation authorities, provincial government, federal government, National Capital Commission and First Nations.