Wilderness Tours removing fees for paddlers to access part of the Ottawa River in 2022

Starting in 2022, Wilderness Tours will be removing fees for paddlers to access the Ottawa River.

Both Katie and Joe Kowalski presented to Whitewater Council earlier in December (2021) to discuss the details.

This year, Whitewater Ontario came to the township to discuss the issue of lack of access to the waterfront.

Following the last 6-years of pay-per-use takeout access, Wilderness Tours is removing the fees for private paddlers so all can experience the Ottawa River.

Katie Kowalski told members of council the pay-per-use fee structure for paddler’s takeout access was to offset the costs associated with providing this service to the public, including road maintenance, snow removal, emergency response, waste collection, theft, vandalism clean-up, insurance, and liability.

Starting in 2022, a simple check-in at the Wilderness Tours reception office is all that will be required for
takeout access.

Complete 2022 park policies and access information will be shared soon.