Carp River (Ottawa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carp River |
|
|---|---|
 Location of the mouth of the Carp River in Eastern Ontario
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Eastern Ontario |
| Municipality | Ottawa |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Kanata 113 m (371 ft) 45°18′07″N 75°52′07″W / 45.30194°N 75.86861°W |
| River mouth | Ottawa River Fitzroy Harbour 54 m (177 ft) 45°28′59″N 76°13′37″W / 45.48306°N 76.22694°W |
| Length | 42 km (26 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Saint Lawrence River drainage basin |
The Carp River is a cool river located in the city of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It stretches for about 42 kilometers (26 miles). The land area that drains into the river, called its watershed, covers roughly 306 square kilometers. This area includes parts of Stittsville, Kanata, and West Carleton-March.
The river starts as the upper Carp River, sometimes called Carp Creek. It flows from Appaloosa Park, goes under Eagleson Road, and through Glen Cairn. From there, it empties into marshes and ponds south of the Canadian Tire Centre. The river then flows north through West Carleton-March. Finally, it joins the Ottawa River near Fitzroy Harbour.
The Carp River has four main smaller rivers or streams that flow into it. These are Poole Creek, Feedmill Creek, Huntley Creek, and Corkery Creek. The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority helps manage and protect the river's watershed.
Why is it Called the Carp River?
The Carp River likely got its name from the many native sucker fish found there. Early European explorers or settlers probably saw these fish. The French word for sucker fish is carpe. These native suckers look a bit like the common European Carp, especially around their mouths.
Sucker fish like the shallow, warm, and slow-moving waters of the Carp River. They still live in the river today. You can also find some European Carp there, which were brought to the area later.
Fun on the Carp River: Whitewater Paddling
When spring arrives and the ice melts, the Carp River gets a lot of water. This makes it a great spot for whitewater paddling! You can put your boat in the water next to a bridge on Carp Road. This spot is between Kinburn Side Road and Galetta Side Road.
The whitewater here is rated as class 2 to 3. This means it has some exciting rapids but is still good for beginners and intermediate paddlers. It's an excellent place for both kayaking and canoeing.
Helping the Carp River: Restoration Project
Since 2000, people have been planning how to make the Carp River even better. This big project involves many different plans. It includes managing stormwater, improving sewage systems, and controlling water flow.
The Carp River Restoration Plan aims to improve the river's health. They will make the low-flow channel narrower. This helps move sediment better. They will also plant more plants along the river banks. Plus, they are adding special features like fish habitat pools and wetlands. These changes will create a better home for wildlife. This important project is expected to be finished by 2021.
