Suppressed report to UNESCO on management of Rideau Canal finally released

Tight control over messaging and underwhelming support for United Nations institutions are two well-known characteristics of Canada's former Conservative government. It therefore comes as no surprise that a 2013 report to UNESCO on the management of the Rideau Canal, a world heritage site and prominent attraction in Ottawa, was suppressed.

Skating on the Rideau Canal near in Ottawa

No longer. Thanks to the efforts of the Friends of the Rideau advocacy group and the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, the report has now been released publicly.

However, anyone expecting embarrassing revelations will be disappointed. As noted by the Ottawa Citizen While the report points to a number of weaknesses in the management of the heritage site, including an education and awareness program that falls short of expectations and "below optimum" staffing levels, the picture painted is largely one of competence.

Rideau Canal pathway in the Fall

Meanwhile, the Friends of the Rideau disputes several statements made by Parks Canada (the government agency responsible for the management of the Rideau Canal and author of the report). However, whether any follow up to the report will be undertaken by UNESCO following the release of the report remains to be seen.