Publications
A diatom-based assessment of multiple stressors over the past ∼220 years on shallow Cranberry Lake in the Rideau Canal (Ontario, Canada)
A significant shift in diatom communities around 1980 marks the most pronounced ecological change in Cranberry Lake's history, linked to accelerated warming and prolonged ice-free periods. This study reconstructs the lake's environmental history using a sediment core, revealing transitions from marshland to lake formation (ca. 1800 CE) and subsequent ecosystem alterations due to canal construction (ca. 1830 CE). Diatom shifts since 2012, coinciding with nuisance algal blooms, suggest warming-driven limnological changes, despite stable nutrient levels. The research combines diatom analysis with historical records and modern monitoring data to uncover the impacts of multiple stressors—flooding, settlement, invasive species, and climate change—on this UNESCO-listed system.
An Open-Source Pipeline for Runtime-Optimized Heritage Photogrammetry in Game Engines
A groundbreaking open-source pipeline, Mesh2Tile, significantly advances the processing of photogrammetric meshes for interactive 3D visualization in game engines. It achieves up to a 62% reduction in file size for larger models while maintaining performance comparable to commercial solutions like Cesium Ion, enabling real-time streaming at 120 FPS in Unreal Engine 5. Unlike existing tools, Mesh2Tile employs adaptive octree tiling based on triangle density and per-tile texture baking, eliminating redundancy and offering precise control over level-of-detail (LOD) generation. Validated through a case study of the Bytown Museum Commissariat Buildingthis pipeline addresses cost barriers and data sovereignty concerns, empowering institutions to manage sensitive heritage data efficiently while ensuring high-performance visualization.
Border Heritage Cultures and the Continuing Politics of Legacy
Borders shape distinct heritage cultures that persist despite geopolitical contestations, as demonstrated by the Rideau Canal and other global sites. The study defines border heritage cultures—where borders and heritage intersect—and illustrates their endurance through case studies, including the Basque region (Spain/France) and Karelia (Russia/Finland). It highlights how these cultures create a sense of belonging amid political tensions, challenging traditional heritage narratives. The research synthesizes geopolitical dynamics in border heritage theorization, offering new insights into how borders matter in cultural preservation.
Characterization of Boat Wakes in a Multi-Use Recreational Waterway
Wakesurf boats generate significantly higher maximum wave heights (Hmax) compared to other recreational boat types, with their median Hmax doubling that of others. Runabouts and cruisers contribute half of the total wake energy density in the Rideau Canal Waterway. The study also reveals that boating activity is substantially underestimated by lockage records alone, being seven times greater than indicated. This research introduces a typology of recreational boats to characterize their wake impacts, providing critical data for predictive models of shoreline and habitat effects. It underscores the need for targeted management strategies, particularly for wakesurfing in narrow channels where wave attenuation is limited.
Cladocera responses to ~200-year history of environmental stressors on Rideau Canal (Ontario, Canada) lakes
Recent climate warming has significantly altered cladoceran assemblages in Rideau Canal lakes, Ontario, with increased dominance of Bosmina spp. and declines in littoral taxa, despite relatively stable changes during the canal's 200-year history. This study reconstructs past ~200 years of cladoceran dynamics using sediment cores to assess responses to environmental stressors such as climate change, zebra mussel invasions, and cyanobacterial blooms. Unlike diatom assemblages, which showed major shifts, cladoceran turnover was consistently lower but reflected recent limnological changes, including reduced total phosphorus concentrations and altered food resources. The findings highlight the sensitivity of this key intermediate trophic level to contemporary environmental pressures.
Leisure as Catalyst for Well-Being and Sense of Belonging Among Iranian Immigrant Women Aged 30–55 in Ottawa, Canada
Leisure activities, including group walks along the Rideau Canal, Classical Persian dance workshops, and visits to the National Gallery of Canada, significantly contributed to the well-being and sense of belonging among Iranian immigrant women aged 30–55 in Ottawa. These activities provided emotional relief, opportunities for social connection, and a comfortable setting due to shared language and migration experiences. While participants rated the activities positively for enjoyment, accessibility, and social contact, sustained participation was influenced by factors such as time pressure, caregiving demands, weather, transportation, cost, and access to clear information. The study highlights the importance of leisure in promoting well-being beyond formal health and settlement services.
Sensor Integration to Create a Digital Twin Framework of a Snowblower Robot
A modular sensor-integrated digital twin framework has been developed to monitor and assess the performance of an autonomous snowblower robot operating under harsh winter conditions on the Rideau Canal Skateway. The system captures real-time measurements of the robot's electrical and mechanical behavior using rotational speed encoders, voltage sensors, current sensors, and reflective infrared sensors, synchronized with motor controller telemetry. Signal filtering enhances data accuracy, providing a validated, time-synchronized record for future digital-twin simulation, predictive maintenance, and virtual testing in winter conditions.
A baseline study of the fishes in the north-flowing section of the Rideau River-Canal system, Ontario, 1998–2000
A baseline study of the Rideau River-Canal system in Ontario, Canada, reveals distinct fish communities influenced by urban and agricultural-forested land use patterns. Between 1998 and 2000, researchers documented 34 native fish species across the mainstem and tributaries, noting that urban sites were characterized by high abundances of Rock Bass (Ambloplites rupestris) while low in Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, and White Sucker. In contrast, mixed agricultural-forested areas showed higher diversity with species like Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullhead dominating. This study provides a critical benchmark for assessing future impacts of climate change and land use modifications on this UNESCO World Heritage Site's aquatic biodiversity.
Assessing how Water Quality and Quantity Impact the Rideau Canal Skateway in the Face of Climate Change
Stormwater discharge significantly impacts the water quality of the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), potentially affecting ice formation and resilience, according to recent research. The study found that stormwater events degrade water quality for 1-7 days, particularly during the skating season, with worse conditions observed in urban sections like Downtown Ottawa. To assess these effects, researchers collected data on temperature, specific conductivity, and stormwater discharge from 2021 to 2023 along the RCS. The findings highlight the need for better stormwater management to protect this UNESCO-listed site—Canada’s longest natural ice rink—against climate change impacts.
Human-turtle interactions during freshwater recreational activities: Understanding risks and mitigation strategies
Human-turtle interactions during water-based recreational activities, particularly boating, pose significant risks to at-risk turtle species in the Rideau Canal Waterway, Ontario. Research reveals that northern map turtles (Graptemys geographica) are most vulnerable to powerboat collisions during nesting season (May-June), despite peak boat traffic occurring later (July-August). The study also identifies subjective norms—social expectations around pro-conservation behaviors—as the strongest predictor for adopting turtle-friendly practices. An interdisciplinary approach, combining ecological surveys and sociopsychological theories, underscores the need for conservation strategies that integrate community engagement and behavioral science to mitigate human impacts on freshwater turtles.
Impact of Environmental Factors on Energy Balance and Ice Growth in Winter Recreational Waterways: A Study of the Rideau Canal Skateway
Climate change is significantly impacting the Rideau Canal Skateway (RCS), an outdoor skating rink, by altering ice growth dynamics. Research using energy balance models and field data reveals that snow cover acts as an insulator, hindering ice formation unless managed through timely interventions like surface clearing or flooding. The study highlights the critical role of strategic actions in response to temperature fluctuations, snowfall, and rainfall events, offering practical insights for extending the skating season. By simulating ice thickness changes using a coupled heat transfer model, the research underscores the multifaceted nature of ice growth and provides actionable strategies to mitigate climate change impacts on recreational winter waterways.
Revisiting lakes within the Rideau Canal system (Ontario, Canada) to assess the impacts of multiple environmental stressors over the past ~25 years using diatom-based paleolimnology
Recent diatom-based paleolimnological analysis of five lakes within the Rideau Canal system (Ontario, Canada) reveals that environmental changes over the past ~25 years, marked by increases in small planktonic diatoms and declines in large-celled Aulacoseira taxa, are best explained by regional warming and declining wind speeds rather than nutrient enrichment. Despite significant historical disturbances such as deforestation and canal construction, the most ecologically notable shifts occurred during this recent period, coinciding with rising chlorophyll-a levels inferred from sediment cores collected in 2019-2020. These findings suggest that climate-driven changes are reshaping lake ecosystems, even in the absence of increased nutrient levels, and may contribute to the emergence of cyanobacterial blooms. The study builds on earlier paleolimnological work by reassessing diatom compositional trends over the past >200 years using visible range spectroscopy.
The Performance of Public Space and the Search for Agency in Canada’s Capital City
Ottawa's Rideau Canal, while celebrated for its national and international significance, often restricts local social vibrancy and democratic engagement. This study proposes a strategic approach to reshape high-profile public spaces like the canal to foster greater local participation and agency in daily life. By employing a research-through-design methodology, the work speculates on how policy structures can be altered to enhance markers of democratic sociality, such as local engagement, cultural diversity, and equitable contestation. The findings suggest that reimagining nationally significant public spaces can promote more inclusive and active civic participation.
Ecological connectivity of invasive and native fishes in a historic navigation waterway
Lockstations in Canada's Rideau Canal Waterway, while not entirely restricting fish connectivity, significantly hinder upstream migration for native species, particularly through multi-flight and higher-lift locks. A three-year acoustic telemetry study (2019–2021) tracked 23 native fishes, including largemouth bass and northern pike, revealing that only 49% of passages occurred through locks, with no detections for invasive common carp. The research suggests that common carp avoid upstream pathways, preferring high-flow areas downstream of dams. Most fish movements were downstream, posing challenges for obligate upstream migrators. This study highlights the complex balance between maintaining native species connectivity and mitigating invasive species spread in regulated waterways.
Ottawa 2025: Gac–Mac–iah–Cnc Joint Annual Meeting Field Trips
The Rideau Canal serves as a focal point for the 2025 GAC–MAC–IAH–CNC Joint Annual Meeting, held May 11-14 at the University of Ottawa. This event offers diverse field trips, including pre-conference excursions that explore the geological heritage of central Canada, from the Cambro-Ordovician Potsdam Group in the Ottawa Embayment to the Sudbury Impact Structure in Ontario. One notable trip examines the stratigraphic archive of the Ottawa Embayment, revealing insights into rift reactivation, climate change, and eustatic rise during the early Ordovician transgression of Laurentia. Additionally, a collections tour provides access to significant geological repositories, such as those at the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Geological Survey of Canada. These field trips aim to showcase the rich geological layers of Ottawa while addressing broader questions about regional geology and heritage conservation.
Placing environmental democracy at the heart of co-governance: rethinking the governance of complex waterways
Research on the governance of complex waterways, such as Ontario's Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway, reveals that current co-governance approaches often fall short of democratic ideals, leading to stakeholder dissatisfaction. The study proposes three key reforms—tiered collaborative mechanisms, targeted exercises to strengthen stakeholder ties, and semi-regular communication forums—to enhance environmental democracy within co-governance frameworks. These reforms aim to bridge gaps between ecological and social systems, improve decision-making adaptability, and ensure more inclusive and legitimate governance structures.
Public participation in the conservation and management of canal cultural heritage worldwide: a case study of the Rideau Canal and Erie Canal
Extensive public participation is the driving force behind successful canal cultural heritage conservation, promoting education and national identity. A study comparing the Rideau Canal (Canada) and Erie Canal (USA) identifies key factors including residents, NGOs, volunteers, and modern technologies like social media as integral to effective management strategies. Both canals integrate public involvement throughout project phases—planning, implementation, and evaluation—and leverage digital tools to enhance engagement efficiently. The findings underscore the importance of legal frameworks, recognition of participants, democratic processes, and technological integration in heritage conservation efforts.
Wake Up - Impacts of Recreational Boat Wakes on Shoreline Habitat in the Rideau Canal Waterway
Recreational boat wakes significantly impact shoreline habitats in low-fetch environments like the Rideau Canal Waterway (RCW), contributing to erosion and sediment resuspension. A study quantified these effects using a combination of boat traffic surveys and experimental trials, measuring near-shore wave fields and turbidity with RBRmaestro3 loggers. The research found that boat wake energy, characterized by peak and significant wave heights, correlates with sediment resuspension—a proxy for erosion—even in calm conditions where wind wave energy is minimal. Preliminary results suggest that different boat types, speeds, and distances from shore influence shoreline disturbance, providing a foundation for predictive models to guide management actions on the RCW and similar waterways.
A historical perspective on nature: Insights from environmental philosophy and the construction of the Erie and Rideau Canals
A historical analysis of the Erie and Rideau Canals reveals that utilitarian philosophy dominated environmental considerations during their construction, with sparse evidence of deontological ethics. The study, which examined official records for environmental-related terms, also found differences in ethical themes aligned with local settlement levels. Both canals shared common themes tied to planning and construction phases, offering insights into how environmental philosophy shaped historical infrastructure projects.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Evaluating Native and Invasive Fish Connectivity and Spatial Ecology in Canada’s Historic Rideau Canal Waterway
Research on Canada’s historic Rideau Canal Waterway reveals that lockstations, while reducing connectivity, do not entirely restrict fish movement. The study found that most passages occur in the direction of flow, posing challenges for native upstream migratory species. Notably, no common carp or only a single round goby were detected moving upstream through locks, suggesting potential for selective passage strategies. Using acoustic and external tagging methods, the study tracked three native (largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike) and two invasive fish species (common carp, round goby) over 45 km of waterway from 2018 to 2023. Seasonal water-level drawdowns were also found to further reduce connectivity within river reaches. This interdisciplinary approach combines fish tracking with ecohydraulics and management consultations, providing actionable insights for conserving native species while mitigating invasive species dispersal in interconnected freshwater systems.
Effects of human disturbance on risk‐taking behavior in painted turtles
Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) exhibit consistent individual differences in risk-taking behaviors, which are influenced by human disturbance levels along the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada. Turtles in areas with high boat activity displayed more active defensive behaviors during handling and took less time to escape a floating platform compared to those in less disturbed sites. Conversely, turtles near residential areas showed fewer defensive behaviors. The study highlights that human activities can significantly alter turtle behavior, emphasizing the need for behavioral studies to understand population-level impacts.
Application of Metabolomics for the Detection and Evaluation of Cyanopeptide Mixtures in Ontario and Quebec Lakes
A comprehensive metabolomic analysis of cyanobacteria harmful algae blooms (cHABs) in Ontario and Quebec lakes revealed the presence of 117 unique cyanopeptides, with anabaenopeptins (APs) and cyanopeptolins (CPs) displaying significant diversity and concentrations comparable to microcystins (MCs). This study highlights the ubiquity and potential ecological risk of these less-studied cyanopeptides, recommending their prioritization in future toxicological research. Additionally, the findings suggest that MCs in lake sediment archives can serve as stable proxies for historical cHAB occurrences, providing insights into past lake conditions influenced by climate warming and anthropogenic nutrient enrichment.
Fragmentation in rivers and waterways: Can barriers support fish conservation?
Preliminary research on Canada’s Rideau Canal Waterway suggests that the system may naturally exhibit selective fragmentation, potentially influencing fish conservation efforts. The study tracked movements of both invasive and native fish species to assess connectivity and interactions with anthropogenic barriers. By analyzing these dynamics, researchers aim to determine whether such barriers can effectively support fish conservation strategies. This work provides insights into the complex interplay between human-made structures and aquatic ecosystems, offering a foundation for future investigations on mitigating fragmentation effects in waterways.
Predicting views on private shoreline development in Ontario's historical waterways: Results from an online survey
A study identifies key factors influencing public views on private shoreline development along Ontario's historic Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway. Using exploratory multinomial logistic regression analysis, researchers found that perceptions of environmental threat, views on shoreline development, property ownership, and waterway usage significantly predict attitudes toward such development. The findings suggest that authorities and conservation groups can use these insights to better anticipate public reactions and tailor engagement programs for stakeholders.
The relationship between water quality and riparian zone land-use variables and macrophyte removal permits issued in between 2013-2020 in the Rideau Canal Waterway
A study analyzing the Rideau Canal Waterway found that macrophyte removal permits issued between 2013 and 2020 were significantly influenced by water quality and riparian zone land-use patterns. The research revealed correlations between specific land-use variables—such as proximity to urban areas, vegetation cover, and development intensity—and the frequency of permits for removing aquatic plants like invasive species or excess biomass. By integrating spatial data with permit records, the study highlighted how human land-use practices along the canal's banks can impact water quality and ecological management needs. This work provides actionable insights for conservation efforts in UNESCO-listed waterways.
A Slight Temperature Warming Trend Occurred over Lake Ontario from 2001 to 2018
A slight but statistically significant warming trend of approximately 0.17°C per year was detected over Lake Ontario and surrounding land areas, including the Rideau Canal, from 2003 to 2012. This finding emerged from an analysis using validated satellite-derived temperature data (MODIS LSWT/LST), which demonstrated strong agreement with in situ measurements, particularly at Hill Island, where correlation exceeded 0.99. The study employed linear regression and the Mann–Kendall test to assess trends, revealing that while the overall warming rate slowed slightly to about 0.06°C per year from 2003 to 2018, the most pronounced increases occurred in September and October during the latter half of the studied period (2013–2018). The research highlights the potential of satellite data for long-term aquatic monitoring while underscoring regional temperature variability.
A Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Algae in the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada
A spatial and temporal analysis of algae in the Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada reveals that environmental factors are the primary drivers of phytoplankton community composition, while spatial and temporal controls have lesser effects. The study used a FlowCam to enumerate and identify phytoplankton, showing that despite changes in its environment since 1995, periphyton biomass demonstrated little temporal variation. This research provides insights into the resilience and adaptability of algal communities in human-altered freshwater ecosystems.
Action research to improve water quality in Canada’s Rideau Canal: how do local groups reshape environmental governance?
A grassroots initiative, the Three Lakes Water Quality Group (TLG), demonstrates significant potential to drive collaborative environmental governance by addressing toxic algal blooms in Canada's Rideau Canal. Through action research involving interviews and workshops, the study reveals that TLG's transdisciplinary approach effectively mobilizes local stakeholders to discuss water quality issues, raising awareness, enforcing policy, and generating knowledge. The findings suggest that leveraging collaborative systems thinking could enhance the group's impact on governance, offering a model for managing similar historic waterways and promoting co-governance efforts.
Historical, contemporary, and future perspectives on a coupled social–ecological system in a changing world: Canada’s historic Rideau Canal
Global canal systems, spanning over 63,000 km, face significant biodiversity challenges due to fragmentation and human-mediated disturbances such as poor water quality and invasive species. A study on Canada’s Rideau Canal highlights the need for coordinated governance that balances historical preservation with ecological conservation. The research identifies key threats—user conflicts, pollution, shoreline development, and invasive species—and advocates for a shift from fragmented management to a unified, multi-stakeholder approach. This model could serve as a blueprint for other historic waterways worldwide, addressing both biodiversity loss and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Internal controls, labour processes and work at the Isthmus Lockstation, Rideau Canal, 1832–1854: Discipline and governmentality at a distance
A study of the Rideau Canal reveals how British Royal Engineers, despite being geographically distant from the canal's operations, established a robust internal control system to discipline civilian lockmasters and encourage self-governance. Analyzing an 'Order Book' maintained at the Isthmus Lockstation between 1832 and 1854, researchers found that directives emphasized thorough documentation, physical asset control, and proper authorization of activities. These orders mirrored those used for Royal Engineers in 1831, indicating a transfer of accounting technologies from military to civilian workforce management. This suggests an early example of governmentality at a distance, where centralized authority was maintained through decentralized yet disciplined labor processes.
Thomas Mackay
Thomas Mackay emerges as a pivotal figure in the development of Ottawa, Canada, through his significant contributions to infrastructure and urban growth. This biography reveals his instrumental role in constructing the Rideau Canal's locks, founding New Edinburgh, establishing the Rideau Falls mill complex, building Rideau Hall, and financing the Ottawa and Prescott Railway. Mackay's efforts not only advanced Ottawa's status as the capital of Canada but also left a lasting legacy on the city's landscape and economy.
City Maker Meets City Dweller | A Conversation About Public Engagement and the Rideau Canal
A significant gap exists between urban planners, architects, and citizens in Ottawa, particularly concerning public projects like the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study identifies that top-down decision-making and ineffective public engagement strategies hinder successful urban planning outcomes. To address this, the research proposes innovative design methodologies centered on conversation, mapping, and storytelling to foster collaboration between 'city makers' and 'city dwellers.' These approaches aim to create a more inclusive and holistic vision for the Canal's rejuvenation, aligning with broader goals of sustainable urban development.
Collaborative Governance in the Rideau Canal: Barriers and Opportunities
A tiered co-governance framework could democratize environmental management on the Rideau Canal, addressing system-wide issues like shoreline development and invasive species. The study analyzed stakeholder perspectives and compared collaborative causal mapping exercises to current government engagement efforts, revealing that multi-scale governance with public involvement is key to improving ecological integrity. This approach offers practical solutions for managing complex, multi-watershed systems with both natural and constructed features.
Poverty, distress and disease: labour and the construction of the Rideau canal, 1826-1832
The construction of the Rideau Canal, often perceived as a British military engineering project, revealed systemic challenges for workers despite its strategic importance. Despite the involvement of the military, workers faced harsh conditions with little distinction from other public works projects. The study estimates that workers were primarily hired monthly or daily, with minimal piecework opportunities, and engaged in tasks such as excavation, masonry, and construction of wooden structures. The research highlights the lack of detailed records, making precise worker counts difficult, but underscores the prevalence of poverty, distress, and disease among laborers during this period (1826-1832).
Visualizing the Rideau Canal through early budget estimates, 1823–1824
Early budget estimates for the Rideau Canal (1823–1824) reveal their dual role as both visual and rhetorical tools, offering new insights into 19th-century capital budgeting practices in North American canal construction. Samuel Clowes' estimates were designed not only to quantify costs but also to guide readers' visualization of the proposed waterway through structured layouts and descriptive commentary. The study demonstrates how these documents leveraged rationality and visual aids to persuade stakeholders, bridging accounting practices with historical engineering narratives.
Sustainable heritage tourism marketing and Canada's Rideau Canal world heritage site
A significant gap exists between the components of sustainable heritage tourism marketing models and actual marketing activities at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Canada's Rideau Canal. This discrepancy, alongside mixed findings from other studies, highlights a core challenge: short-term thinking in marketing strategies, which conflicts with the long-term investments required for sustainability. The research employs a case study approach to test a proposed sustainable heritage tourism marketing model, offering a framework that can guide more effective and sustainable marketing practices at the Rideau Canal and similar global sites.
Spatial ecology of adult muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in the urban Ottawa reach of the historic Rideau Canal, Canada
A unique urban muskellunge population thrives in the Rideau Canal, Canada, with seasonal movements driven by canal operations. Radio-telemetry revealed that adult muskellunge (64–122 cm) exhibit greatest mobility during spring spawning, ranging across the 7 km urban reach before retreating to deeper embayments like Dow’s Lake for winter. None were stranded during canal drainage, though one died from winterkill. Environmental factors—seasonality and water depth—dictate habitat selection, with one fish emigrating upstream through a lock. This study provides critical insights into the spatial ecology of an apex predator in engineered ecosystems, informing conservation efforts to balance heritage and ecological values at this UNESCO-listed site.
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