regional wetlands and waterbodies plan (PRMHH) by June 2022. These plans will detail the MRCs’ goals to conserve wetlands — ponds, marshes, swamps and bogs — and other bodies of water.

The four MRCs in the Outaouais — Pontiac, Papineau, Des Collines and Vallée de la Gatineau — have opted to work together to create one cohesive survey to assess what changes and opinions the people of the region propose.

“The purpose of the survey is to better understand the population of the Outaouais,” CREDDO project manager Madelaine Rouleau wrote in an email to THE EQUITY. “We want to know which group is interested in wetlands and water, what is important to citizens and stakeholders and how people want to be involved in the process.”

Though there is one survey for the four MRCs, each one is still required to come up with their own PRMHH. The survey is available on the CREDDO website, and can be taken by anyone until April 15.

The first page of the survey inquires about the region and working sector of the surveyee. This information will be used to determine the needs of the different kinds of activities going on in the region and responses will be specifically considered based on the stakeholder’s sector.

“This will allow us to distinguish between the views of each sector. If you look at the calendar of events, you will see that there are plans to set up strategic committees to highlight issues specific to the sectors of activity,” Rouleau said. “Over the next few weeks, we will continue to contact representatives of the activity sectors and calls for participation will be issued. The survey should also help us determine the best way to reach the various sectors for the next steps.”

Rouleau invited the public to take part in the survey so that the government is able to “conserve the most important environments and allows for sustainable development by considering the population’s issues.”

“Wetlands and waterways provide many environmental, economic and social services to the public. We are not always aware of this, but it is important to be concerned,” she wrote. “We are here to listen. The planning of the territory must be the result of a collaboration with the communities that inhabit it.”

Visit http://www.creddo.ca/prmhh-en for more information on PRMHHs and for the survey.

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