The North Grenville Economic Development Committee is currently working a conceptual project to bring boats from the Rideau River to Kemptville. The idea is called the Terra Marine Parkway Project. Councillor Donovan Arnaud, who chairs the committee, says the concept is dual purpose.
The concept focuses on the section of the South Branch of the Rideau River (Kemptville Creek) that runs from the Prescott St. Bridge to slightly north of County Road 43. The idea is to build a walkway system from the bridge in downtown Kemptville to the Bridge St. bridge and then out to the County Road 43 bridge. A docking facility at County Road 43 is also in the plan as larger boats can’t get under the bridge due to the 10-foot clearance. Arnaud says infrastructure is needed to draw visitors.
The purpose of the project is to promote tourism and add to the trail system in North Grenville.
The concept was pitched to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and got a favourable response, but further technical and biological studies are needed. A report on the feasibility of the Terra Marine Walkway Project will come to council in September.