Our History – How We Got Started
The Roundtable grew out of a two-year study (1998 to 2000) of the Rideau River conducted by the Canadian Museum of Nature in collaboration with communities along the waterway.
Peter Au, a member of one of those community advisory groups involved in the study, decided to create an organization to continue to foster public interest in the conservation of the River.
The Rideau River Roundtable was formed in 2000. It evolved to become the Rideau Roundtable in 2003, and its mandate was expanded to include the whole of the Rideau Waterway from Ottawa to Kingston.
From that initial study, to the formation of the Rideau Roundtable, to the nomination of the Rideau Waterway as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, our long-time President, Peter Au is the driving force behind the Roundtable’s success.
Gouvernails Andrea Howard, Max Finklestein, Stew Hamill and Jodie Bigelow (2015)
We Thrive on Collaboration
Our organization thrives by building partnerships with like-minded organizations and seeks support from agencies, businesses, departments within all levels of government, and other community groups with whom we share common goals.
Much of our funding comes from a variety of generous sources, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Environment Canada, HRSDC, and our members.
Chaired by Peter Au, the Rideau Roundtable Board is populated by enthusiastic members that share a collective vision to promote environmental education and sustainability, and the use of the Rideau waterway. Each member of the board is appointed according to our charter and brings with them a set of skills that the board requires to provide good governance to the organization.
Peter Au, President
Peter has been a cornerstone of the Rideau Roundtable since its inception, championing environmental conservation and public education. A key figure in securing the Rideau Canal's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peter also serves on multiple community boards and has been recognized for his lifelong contributions to sustainability and heritage.
Paul B Hamilton
Paul is a freshwater biologist whose groundbreaking research on biodiversity and climate change spans the globe. A vital contributor to the Rideau Roundtable’s Research & Monitoring Team, he is also an avid solo paddler and has coauthored over 100 scientific publications
Max Finkelstein
Max, a seasoned paddler and conservationist, has dedicated his career to protecting Canada's rivers through his work with Parks Canada and the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. A published writer and educator, Max organizes paddling events and educational trips to inspire connection with the natural world.
Roberta Morris
Rev. Dr. Roberta Morris is an Anglican Priest, writer, environmental advocate, and activist with a passion for promoting biochar, affordable housing and sustainability. Now based in Ontario, she collaborates with faith-based and environmental groups, contributing to Paddlefest, and other Rideau Roundtable initiatives.
Richard Doherty
Richard brings decades of experience in urban and environmental planning, including developing innovative policies for waste management, natural resource protection, and sustainable energy systems. He is known for his consensus-building approach to shape public initiatives and inspire community-led change. Richard has been an avid wilderness guide and a canoeing and kayaking instructor.
Eva Moons, Secretary
Eva Moons is a teacher and Outdoor Instructor with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board. With a focus in Nature Based Environmental Education her Outdoor Ed program introduces over 200 students to hiking, orienteering, winter camping and canoeing each year.
An avid hiker and paddler, she has led students on trips around the globe. As a member of the Rideau Roundtable and Governail, she strives to provide opportunities for students to experience what it means to be a voyager.
Derrick Hewitt
Bio Coming Soon
Our members come from a wide array of disciplines, including educators, scientists, managers, students, and other environmentally interested individuals. The hours and other contributions that our employees and volunteers give are critical to the success of our programs and activities. They also provide the board with valuable input on issues of current and future importance to users of these waterways and environmental sustainability.
Andrea Howard
REX Program Chair, Gouvernail, Eco-Interpreter, Educator
Andrea was in the room in the early 2000's for the first meetings of the Rideau Roundtable, when they took place at the Eastern Ontario Biodiversity Museum in Kemptville, where she was the Education Coordinator.
It was there her 'Museum in a Suitcase' travelling science programs started gaining attention and awards.
Andrea came aboard as an Roundtable in 2007 as an interpreter and animator and Gouvernail. She has also played a leading role in some many RR initiatives.
Andrea's life weaves together the treads of her schooling (life science, drama, education) with her work (theatre, environment, teaching). Folks in these parts also know her as the Merrickville Bug Lady.
Bill MacLean
Bill, a retired high school science teacher and vice principal, has returned to the Ottawa Valley to focus on enjoying and preserving the ecological health of the Rideau watershed. He spends his time paddling, hiking, and exploring local trails with his family.
Jake Wilson
REX Program Coordinator, Gouvernail, Eco-Interpreter
Bio Coming Soon
Teddy Dong
Gouvernail, Eco-Interpreter, Educator
Bio Coming Soon
Les Braden
Bio Coming Soon
Nathaniel Morris
Chief Technological Officer of BioChar Project
Bio Coming Soon
Tina Bye
Rideau Eco-Literacy Center Program Manager
Tina is a Quebec and Ontario Certified Teacher with nearly 30 years of teaching experience. In addition to her BFA and BEd, she also has a Masters Degree of Creative Arts Therapies. Having run a privately owned, community driven, Performing Arts Center in Quebec for 10 years before the pandemic, she has expertise in creating strong ensembles that are mission oriented.
Join us at The Rideau Roundtable
Are you interested in getting involved? Do you have an interest in the conservation of the Rideau Waterway Region? A passion for environmental sustainability? Knowledge of the history of the area (both Colonial and Indigenous) and its eco-systems you would like to share? Time, materials, or funds to contribute?