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Report to/Rapport au :

Transit Commission Commission du transport en commun

August 21, 2013 21 aout 2013

Submitted by/Soumis par : Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager, City Operations / Directeur municipal adjoint, Opérations municipales

Contact Person/Personne ressource: John Manconi, General Manager, Transit Services Directeur général, Services du transport en commun 613-842-3636 x2111, John.Manconi@.ca

CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE Ref N°: ACS2013-COS-TRA-0016

SUBJECT: TRANSIT – STATION NAMES AND VEHICLE EXTERIOR DESIGN

OBJET : LIGNE DE TRANSPORT EN COMMUN PAR TRAIN LÉGER - NOM DES STATIONS ET DESIGN EXTÉRIEUR DU VÉHICULE

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Transit Commission approve the:

1. Stations Names:  Tunney’s Pasture  Bayview  Pimisi  Lyon  Parliament / Parlement  Rideau (Secondary Wayfinding Reference: ByWard Market)  uOttawa  Lees  Hurdman  Tremblay (Secondary Wayfinding Reference: VIA Rail)  St-Laurent  Cyrville  Blair; and,

2. Exterior paint scheme for the Confederation Line Citadis Spirit trains, as shown in figure 1 of the report.

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RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que la Commission du transport en commun approuve les :

1. Noms des stations de la Ligne de la Confédération :  Tunney’s Pasture  Bayview  Pimisi  Lyon  Parliament / Parlement  Rideau (Référence de signalisation secondaire: Marché By)  uOttawa  Lees  Hurdman  Tremblay (Référence de signalisation secondaire: VIA Rail)  St-Laurent  Cyrville  Blair; et,

2. Le schéma des couleurs et marques extérieures des trains Citadis Spirit d’Alstom pour la Ligne de la Confédération qui se trouve à la figure 1 du rapport.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Transit Commission ad hoc working group was established on May 15, 2013 to assist the Transit Services Department to develop recommendations for the Confederation Line within the mandate of the Transit Commission. Timely decisions are required to meet the project schedule established by the Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and the City. This report outlines final work group recommendations for:

 Station Names within the Confederation Line corridor; and  Exterior Vehicle Paint Design for Confederation Line trains.

Station Names

There are 13 stations along the Confederation Line corridor, the names of which are critical to customers to identify where the station is located as they plan their trip, where they are on the bus or train as it pulls into the station, and where the bus or train is headed within the City. These geographical references within the City are the primary purposes for the station names.

Engaging the public in the recommended station names proved to be a valuable activity. Citizens were provided with multiple options for providing feedback to Transit Services. Almost 1,500 citizens participated in the process and affirmed the recommended names that were developed following established station naming procedures and industry best

3 practices. Further, validation of the names with French Language Services resulted in modifications that will benefit customers and the community.

Exterior Vehicle Paint Design

Throughout the month of July staff and the working group worked closely with the train supplier, Alstom, to develop an exterior design for the new vehicles. The value of the Alstom design process has been demonstrated in the recommended exterior paint design for the Confederation Line trains. The trains incorporate a sleek new look that is distinct from the existing bus designs, yet incorporate the well established visual identify of the maple leaf and the white, red, and grey colours of OC Transpo and is reflective of its brand.

RÉSUMÉ

Le 15 mai 2013, la Commission du transport en commun a créé, dans le cadre de son mandat, un groupe de travail spécial chargé de faciliter la formulation de recommandations relatives à la Ligne de la Confédération. Des décisions devront être prises sous peu si on veut garantir le respect du calendrier du projet établi par le Rideau Transit Group (RTG) et la Ville. Le présent rapport présente les dernières recommandations du groupe de travail au sujet :

 des noms des stations qui s’échelonneront dans le couloir de la Ligne de la Confédération;  la livrée des trains qui circuleront sur la Ligne de la Confédération.

Noms des stations

Les noms des 13 stations qui s’échelonneront dans le couloir de la Ligne de la Confédération joueront un rôle essentiel en permettant aux clients d’identifier l’emplacement de la station lorsqu’ils planifient leurs déplacements, de se repérer lorsqu’ils arrivent à une station à bord d’un autobus ou d’un train et de connaître la destination des autobus et des trains dans la ville. Le principal objectif des noms de station est d’offrir ces références géographiques à l’intérieur de la ville.

Le fait d’inviter le public à commenter les noms recommandés pour les stations s’est révélé une activité très utile. On a proposé aux citoyens différents options leur permettant de présenter leurs commentaires aux Services de transport en commun. Près de 1 500 citoyens ont pris part au processus et ont voté pour les noms recommandés qui avaient été proposés dans le cadre des procédures établies pour l’attribution des noms de station et des pratiques exemplaires qui ont cours dans le secteur. De plus, la validation des noms avec les Services en français a entraîné l’ajout de modifications dont la clientèle et la communauté pourront profiter.

Livrée des voitures

Pendant tout le mois de juillet, les membres du personnel et du groupe de travail ont collaboré étroitement avec le fournisseur d’équipement ferroviaire, Alstom, pour

4 s’assurer que les différentes livrées proposées pour les trains se distinguent de la livrée traditionnelle des véhicules d’OC Transpo, tout en intégrant l’identificateur visuel internationalement reconnu de la société. La livrée recommandée pour les trains de la Ligne de la Confédération témoigne de l’efficacité du processus de conception d’Alstom. Ainsi, les trains afficheront un nouveau style élégant, qui se distingue de la livrée actuelle des autobus tout en intégrant l’identificateur visuel bien établi de la feuille d’érable ainsi que les couleurs blanc, rouge et gris.

BACKGROUND

On May 15, 2013, the Transit Commission carried a motion which established an ad hoc working group, comprised of Chair Deans, Commissioners Hobbs and Crew, as well as staff from OC Transpo, the Rail Implementation Office and City Clerk. The purpose of the working group is to assist the Transit Services Department in developing recommendations for Confederation Line decisions that fall within the mandate of the Transit Commission.

On July 3, 2013, the Transit Commission received the report entitled Light Rail Transit – Naming, Branding, Retail and Vehicle, which outlined proposed names for seven Confederation Line stations and approved a public engagement strategy for input into the proposed stations names.

The construction of the Confederation Line project is underway and the Rideau Transit Group (RTG) has identified critical decisions that need to be made to ensure the project remains on schedule. In order to achieve this goal, the Transit Commission is required to make final decisions on the items outlined in this report, no later than the August Transit Commission meeting.

This report summarizes recommendations for two critical system elements: 1) Station Names; and, 2) Exterior paint design of the trains.

DISCUSSION

Station Names

Station Naming

The names of each of the stations along the Confederation Line need to be selected by August 21, 2013 in order to allow for work on several aspects of the line to be designed and constructed. This work includes not only the signs at the stations, but also the electronic customer information systems, the wayfinding systems, the signalling system, and the operating procedures. Three of the stations along the line are at new locations (within the tunnel), and the others replace current stations.

Using transit industry standards and best practices, and following an established station naming procedure, OC Transpo station names provide essential wayfinding information

5 for transit customers. Station names are used in three main ways by customers to identify where:

 The station is located as they plan how to reach the transit system;  They are as the bus or train pulls into the station; and,  The bus or train they are boarding is headed.

The best way to accomplish these needs is for stations to have names which provide easily understood geographic information.

Stations are therefore usually given the name of a major cross-street or the well-known name of a district or major destination, and are also selected so that there is no confusion with other station names. Furthermore, station names also need to be easily understood in both English and French, in both written and spoken communication.

In Ottawa, there are currently 51 rapid transit stations, 50 of which have geographic names (one has a name that is descriptive of its location). Across Canada, in Montréal, , Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, there are 294 rapid transit stations, of which 286 of them (97 percent) have geographic names (five are descriptive names, two are historical names linked to their locations, and one is a commemorative name linked to its location).

There will be 13 stations on the Confederation Line. Three of these are new stations and 10 are renovations of existing Transitway stations. In this report, staff are recommending names for the three new stations (located within the tunnel), changes to the names of three existing stations, and no changes to the names of the seven remaining stations.

In the application of station names through signage, maps or other navigational systems, it is possible to make use of secondary station names, which add a further descriptive or meaningful landmark reference for transit users. For example in OC Transpo’s Next Stop Announcement system, Tremblay can display the secondary name of “VIA Rail”. The use of secondary names in this manner is an option to refine and improve the recommended names for Confederation Line stations.

During the naming process for the new Confederation Line stations, staff also reviewed existing Confederation Line stations. Generally there must be a compelling reason to change an existing name or brand. The suggested name changes will provide more effective geographical references for customers and/or ensure consistency with the station naming procedures and best practices.

Public Engagement

As approved by the Transit Commission on July 3, 2013, the public engagement for station names was conducted from July 3 to July 24, 2013. Displays were located at City Hall and the Rideau Centre, “Take One” pamphlets were available on buses, and posters were placed at designated Transitway stations. The public was encouraged to

6 provide feedback on the recommended station names through different channels such as online, by fax, by telephone and by hardcopy form.

Social media and the OC Transpo Blog were also utilized for the Public Engagement process. OC Transpo tweeted regularly about the online feedback form and provided a direct link to octranspo.com. Followers were also encouraged to tweet their views regarding the station names and to provide feedback about the recommended station names.

The Public Engagement process was reviewed by Transit Services staff and is consistent with the use of the Equity and Inclusion Lens.

The public engagement process on station naming received nearly 1,500 responses. Alternative station names that were consistent with industry best practices were taken into consideration for the final recommended station names.

Proposed station names that were not within the scope of the naming process were not considered by OC Transpo. Submissions that were not within the scope included those that may be considered offensive or humorous. Commemorative names were also discounted as they were outside the scope of established criteria. OC Transpo has established procedures and utilized transit industry standards and best practices for selecting station names. As such, for proposed station names to be considered they had to provide easily understood geographic information, not cause confusion with other names and be understood in both French and English.

Public Engagement Summary:

Tunney’s Kent Parliament Rideau uOttawa Tremblay

# Respondents 1,298 1,254 1,276 1,275 1,301 1,303

Liked 62% 70% 81% 85% 68% 41%

Neutral 24% 23% 12% 9% 18% 36%

Other* 14% 7% 7% 6% 14% 23%

* See Annex 1 for examples of other suggested names.

In addition to the public feedback, staff reviewed the proposed names with the City of Ottawa’s French Language Services (FLS) and they have confirmed that they support the recommended stations names.

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There were seven station names that required a change based on staff recommendations. The remaining six, namely Bayview, Lees, Hurdman, St-Laurent, Cyrville, and Blair, were recommended to remain the same.

As a result of the Public Engagement, there were changes made to the original recommendations. The following is a matrix outlining the adherence to the criteria and best practices:

The final recommendations are based on the following:

Tunney’s Pasture:

Although staff initially recommended a change to “Tunney’s”, it is now recommended that the existing station name remain as it is today. Although the proposed change had overall support, a number of responses raised concerns that staff acknowledge. The concerns included the presence of an apostrophe, which could be confusing in English and problematic in French. For this reason, staff concur with French Language Services and public feedback, which support the retention of the existing name. Staff also agree that without a more compelling reason to change the name besides shortening it and reflecting the more colloquial usage, the status quo is more appropriate.

Bayview:

A comment was received to change the name to “O-Train”. It should be noted that this does not meet the criteria and “O-Train” is currently used for secondary wayfinding at this station. No change is proposed.

Pimisi:

Following the City of Ottawa’s invitation to rename LeBreton Station, the Algonquins Of (AOO) created an outreach entitled Algonquin Naming Opportunities – Seeking Your Ideas! This outreach was provided to the Algonquin Negotiation Representatives

8 for circulation amongst their respective communities. This outreach was also posted on the Tanakiwin website under the heading “Algonquin Presence in the Ottawa Valley.” The AOO also raised the profile of this renaming opportunity at the most recent Nation Gathering hosted by the Algonquin communities of Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini (Bancroft) and Whitney and Area in Bancroft on July 27, 2013. The Algonquins of Ontario and Transit Services recommend that the LeBreton Transit Station be renamed Pimisi Station.

Lyon:

Although staff initially recommended the station name be “Kent”, it is now recommended that the new name be “Lyon” to reflect more accurately the location of entrances and exits to the station. It will be more meaningful and easier to understand for navigational and wayfinding purposes.

Parliament/Parlement:

The new station name received strong support during the engagement. French Language Services also support this name. The name will always be presented in both official languages in all materials, signage and audible usages.

Rideau:

The public engagement supported the proposed name. Staff also recommend that the station utilize a secondary wayfinding name that would support station naming best practices and criteria. The secondary name would be ByWard Market/Marché By in recognition of this major destination. uOttawa:

The public engagement supported the proposed new name to replace “Campus”. It should also be noted that the administration at uOttawa indicated through correspondence their support for this name. French Language Services were also consulted and raised no objections.

Lees:

No comments were made and no changes were proposed.

Hurdman:

No comments were made and no changes were proposed.

Tremblay:

The public engagement supported the proposed name overall.

The proposed change for “Train” did however elicit the most comment from those participating in the public engagement process. These included the importance of

9 designating the station as linked directly to the VIA Rail station. A number of options were considered and noted in Annex 1.

After reviewing all of the comments and suggestions, staff continue to recommend the proposed new name of Tremblay. Staff also recommend that the station utilize a secondary wayfinding name that would support station naming best practices and criteria. The secondary name would be “VIA Rail”.

St-Laurent:

There were no changes proposed to the existing station name “St. Laurent”. French Language Services however requested that the station be clearly named “St-Laurent” (with hyphen) to be consistent with all City naming practices. Staff recommend adoption of this practice.

Cyrville:

No comments were made and no changes were proposed.

Blair:

No comments were made and no changes were proposed.

Renaming of LeBreton Station

Since the early inception of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project, the City of Ottawa embraced the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the art, culture and heritage of the Algonquins through the planning, design and building of the transit station as an “Algonquin-centred” station. The location of this station is of particular significance to the Algonquins as it is within close proximity to Chaudière Falls and Victoria Island, both of which are sacred gathering places for the Algonquins since time immemorial.

In further recognition of the significance of the LeBreton Flats area, the City of Ottawa provided the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) the opportunity to rename LeBreton Station with an Algonquin name. The AOO initiated an outreach program to facilitate community discussions and provided station naming information and submission requirements to the Algonquin Negotiation Representatives for circulation to respective communities (See Annex 2).

The recommendation contained in this report is to rename LeBreton Station to Pimisi Station.

Pimisi means “eel” in the language of the Algonquin people. Pimisi is considered sacred to the Algonquin people. Pimisi is the prayer carrier of the waters, travelling far through salt water and fresh and, according to Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK), over wetlands. The American Eel of the Ottawa River is referred to as Kichisippi Pimisi, Kichisippi meaning ‘big river’ and it is the original name given to the Ottawa River by the Algonquins and Pimisi being the Algonquin name for eel.

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Algonquin traditions and culture have been shaped by their relationship to the land and the life within it. Algonquins have always had a deep connection to Pimisi – as a provider of nourishment, medicine and spiritual inspiration.

As a result of the public engagement and staff recommendations, the following map outlines the recommended station names for the 13 stations along the Confederation Line corridor:

Train Vehicle Exterior Paint Design

The existing paint scheme on OC Transpo vehicles is an important element to the Transit systems identity and branding. It is often described as highly identifiable and very relevant to the Nation’s Capital with its red and white colour and presence of the maple leaf. The dominant presence of the red maple leaf on a white background serves as both a tribute to our country and demonstrates the pride and sense of responsibility that the City of Ottawa cherishes as the nation’s capital.

The Transit Services Department is proud of this visual identity, and belief that the Confederation Line project has afforded the Transit Commission an opportunity to create a version of the existing identify that is suitable for the new train vehicles. As outlined in the July 3, 2013 report received by the Transit Commission entitled, Light Rail Transit – Naming, Branding, Retail and Vehicle, designs and imagery will be clear and uncluttered, with fluid lines, spaciousness, and a minimal colour palette. Forms and shapes should have an organic and integrated appearance, rather than functional and engineered. Design decisions around Confederation Line visual identity will reflect notions of simplicity, quality, ease of access and effortless motion.

Any changes or new elements introduced into the exterior paint scheme for the trains on the Confederation Line will need to retain the prominent and recognizable aspects of the existing bus paint scheme. In the end, it is important that the vehicle designs are seen

11 as part of one whole, integrated system, creating a consistent and coherent identity and customer experience through all travel modes.

The Alstom design team presented their exterior paint scheme options to the Confederation Line Commission Work Group on June 26, 2013. The preferred option was selected by the Working Group and feedback was provided to Alstom to further advance the design based on OC Transpo and City of Ottawa requirements such as logos and design enhancements. Throughout July, staff worked closely with Alstom and the Rail Implementation Office (RIO) to advance the design.

Alstom was directed to ensure the selected option included the following elements:  Standard OC Transpo colours - Red, White, Grey;  Maple Leaf, versions showing both the traditional maple leaf and a new stylized leaf;  OC Transpo and City logos;  Swoosh that is present in visual graphic elements; and,  Minimum colour palette.

The Working Group received and considered numerous options and has selected the preferred scheme based on the feedback presented to Alstom.

The final design (Figure 1) was selected by the Working Group on July 31, 2013 and is recommended to the Transit Commission. The recommendation is based on several important factors:  OC Transpo’s existing vehicle paint scheme is clearly represented on the new trains;  Simple, clear lines based on OC Transpo’s existing visual elements and colour pallete reflect our primary identity as an integral part of the nation’s capital, and also position the train service as part of one cohesive and integrated transit service;  A new element - the asymmetrical wave running the length of each vehicle – is derived from the OC Transpo ‘curve’ that is used extensively on signage and graphics throughout the existing transit system. This addition emphasizes the fluid, smooth motion of a modern light-rail train, ties the vehicles together in a continuous train-set, and also provides detail and interest to the extended section of white in the centre of the train;  Transient or temporary elements have been avoided. Nothing on the new trains will appear dated in future decades, as the city and transit service grow and evolve around the Confederation Line;  The overall effect is a natural progression of the existing transit service. The paint scheme achieves a fine balance of existing values and identity, with a new and significant transformation into a modern service;  White is the dominant paint colour with decals for the added elements (similar to our bus fleet) which is a less expensive paint to maintain and clean than red,

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which is an important consideration in the 30 year maintenance agreement with RTG; and,  Meets accessibility requirements (door delineation, bellows, etc.).

Figure 1: Exterior paint scheme for the Confederation Line Spirit Trains

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

The recommendations in this report would have no effect on the rural parts of the City.

CONSULTATION

A public engagement strategy was implemented from July 3 to July 24, 2013 to seek feedback on station names. Displays were located at City Hall and the Rideau Centre, “Take One” pamphlets were available on buses, and posters were placed at designated Transitway stations. The public was encouraged to provide feedback on the recommended station names through different channels such as online, by fax, by telephone and by hardcopy form. Social media was leveraged to encourage feedback as well.

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In further recognition of the significance of the LeBreton Flats area, the City of Ottawa provided the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) the opportunity to rename LeBreton Station with an Algonquin name.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no legal impediments to implementing the recommendations in the report.

RISK MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

There are no risk implications.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct financial implications as a result of this report.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPACTS

There are no recommendations in this report that affect accessibility.

TECHNOLOGY IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct technical implications associated with this report.

TERM OF COUNCIL PRIORITIES

This report supports the following objectives of the Term of Council Priorities: TM1 – Ensure sustainable transit services TM4 – Promote alternative mobility choices HC1 – Achieve equity and inclusion for an aging and diverse population SE1 – Ensure a positive experience for every client interaction SE2 – Improve operational performance

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Annex 1: Examples of suggested station names Annex 2: Letter from Algonquins of Ontario

DISPOSITION

The Transit Services Department will implement the decisions of the Transit Commission.

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Annex 1

Examples of Other Suggested Station Names

Tunney’s Kent Parliament Rideau uOttawa Tremblay

Tunney’s Downtown O' Connor Rideau University of VIA Rail Pasture 2% (22) 3% (40) Centre Ottawa 9% (121) 10% (136) 2% (27) 4% (54)

Holland Lyon Metcalfe Market University Train 4% (57) < 1% (13) < 1% (7) 1% (15) 3% (34) 8% (98)

Tunney Supreme Downtown ByWard Campus Trainyards 2% (23) Court < 1% (5) Market 2% (24) 4% (49) < 1% (6) 1% (14) Queen Sandy Hill VIA < 1% (4) 1% (6) 2% (23)

Sparks Ottawa Station < 1% (2) 1% (14)

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Annex 2

Algonquins of Ontario

August 13, 2013

Kent Kirkpatrick City Manager City of Ottawa 110 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1

BY EMAIL ONLY [email protected]

Dear Mr. Kirkpatrick,

Subject: Renaming of the Algonquin – Themed Ottawa Light Rail LeBreton Station (Our File CP 96-1-5)

Since the early inception of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) project (now known as the Confederation Line) the City of Ottawa has continued to embrace the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the art, culture and heritage of the Algonquins through the planning, design and building of the LeBreton Transit Station as an “Algonquin-centred” station. The location of this station is of particular significance to the Algonquins as it is in close proximity to Chaudière Falls and Victoria Island, both of which are sacred gathering places for the Algonquins since time immemorial.

At the most recent Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) Elders Circle, held in Pembroke on April 12, 2013, Elders voiced unanimous support for the renaming of LeBreton Transit Station to an Algonquin name. The renaming of the Transit Station was seen to be a logical next step given the Algonquin-centred station design elements as well as the future installations of both integrated and non-integrated Algonquin art. The renaming would also be another step forward in our journey to bring visibility to the Algonquins and their language. The concept of such a name change was echoed by the Algonquin Negotiation Representatives at follow up meetings.

The AOO appreciate the willingness and the support of the City of Ottawa to bring this idea to fruition. In early July 2013, to facilitate discussions with Algonquin communities the AOO created an outreach entitled Algonquin Naming Opportunities – Seeking Your Ideas! This outreach was provided to the Algonquin Negotiation Representatives

16 for circulation amongst their respective communities as they saw fit. This outreach was also posted on our Tanakiwin website under the heading “Algonquin Presence in the Ottawa Valley.” A copy of this outreach is attached.

Chief Kirby Whiteduck of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation also reached out to Chief Gilbert Whiteduck of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg to further explore the interest of their Council in sharing any ideas for the renaming of LeBreton Station.

The AOO also raised the profile of this renaming opportunity at the most recent Nation Gathering hosted by the Algonquin communities of Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini (Bancroft) and Whitney and Area in Bancroft on July 27, 2013. As part of this effort, the AOO Consultation Office worked with the Deputy City Manager's Office (Planning & Infrastructure) to develop display materials that would raise the awareness of this project, including architectural renderings of LeBreton Station from different angles as well as an aerial photograph of the location of the station and its proximity to Chaudière Falls and Victoria Island.

On Friday, August 2, 2013, following a fulsome conversation of the various suggestions that were submitted for consideration, the Algonquin Negotiation Representatives reached consensus. On behalf of the Algonquins of Ontario we are pleased to recommend that the LeBreton Transit Station be renamed Pimisi Transit Station.

Pimisi means “eel” in the language of the Algonquin people. Pimisi is considered sacred to the Algonquin people. Pimisi is the prayer carrier of the waters, travelling far through salt water and fresh and, according to Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge (ATK), over wetlands (Katherine Cannon, Algonquin Negotiation Representative and Chief of Algonquin Nation Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini pers. comm. September 23, 2011).

ATK is the understanding of the interconnectedness of life, land and spirit. ATK is the complex and unique knowledge held by Aboriginal people as they have lived in their respective territories with all of its creatures since time immemorial. The significant value of including ATK in the resolution of environmental issues has become increasingly apparent as ATK complements scientific research and thus allows for a greater understanding of the state of Mother Earth.

The American Eel of the Ottawa River is referred to as Kichisippi Pimisi, Kichisippi meaning ‘big river’ (Kirby Whiteduck, First Nation Algonquin Negotiation Representative and Chief of Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn pers. comm. October 18, 2011) and it is the original name given to the Ottawa River by the Algonquins and Pimisi being the Algonquin name for eel.

Algonquin traditions and culture have been shaped by our relationship to our land and the life within it. Algonquins have always had a deep connection to Pimisi – as a provider of nourishment, medicine and spiritual inspiration.

Pimisi has been hunted and consumed by Algonquins in the Ottawa Valley in a sustainable way for over 4000 years (Whiteduck 2002, Allen 2007). Its importance as a

17 food source to the newcomers is also well documented and the eel was used for trade with settlers or given as a gift (K. Whiteduck pers. comm. October 18, 2011).

Records from early Jesuits, as far back as 1642, comment on how the eel was found in “prodigious abundance” and describe how both the Algonquins and the French prepared eel and fish for winter (Whiteduck 2002). The eel provided many non-food uses such as medicines and its skin had a range of uses, from medicine bags to bandages for sores and broken bones. The lining of the bladder was used in making paint. Pimisi bones were formed into tools such as needles and arrowheads and some parts of the eel were used for sacred ceremonies (K. Cannon pers. comm. September 23, 2011).

Algonquins have also identified with the adaptability of the eel – as they too were skilled at adapting to changing environments and conditions – a necessity for living closely with Mother Earth.

Elder Dr. William Commanda states in A Circle of All Nations Note titled Manoshkadosh: The American Eel:

“I believe that Eel spirit is intrinsic to the Sacred Seven Fire Prophecy Wampum Belt. This unique and mysterious ancient creature was of tremendous significance to the original peoples of the eastern coast of North America, and in the stories of my ancestors, it was plentiful beyond imagination; the Eel was of great spiritual, nutritional and material importance to the people from time immemorial.” (Elder Dr. W. Commanda undated)

Pimisi, in essence, connects all of Mother Earth (Katherine Cannon, Algonquin Negotiation Representative and Chief of Algonquin Nation Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini pers. comm. September 23, 2011).

Kichisippi Pimisi is an ancient fish which was abundant in the Ottawa River basin for millennia, making up approximately 50% of the total freshwater biomass prior to the 1900s.

For thousands of years Pimisi travelled up and down the Ottawa River unimpeded. In the past century this has changed: Kichisippi Pimisi is now rarely seen and since 2007 is listed as Endangered under the Ontario Species at Risk program.

But, there is hope. In August 2012, within the heart of the City, eels were observed at the Fleet Street pumping station (see Attachment 3). The Algonquins of Ontario are now in our second year of working collaboratively with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Arnprior Fish and Game Club to build on the knowledge gained in previous study years and to assist in the development of strategies for American eel recovery in the Ottawa River. The Algonquins of Ontario are also forging relationships with waterpower operators, including Energy Ottawa, to enhance protection and recovery efforts for the American Eel.

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Concluding Remarks

The renaming of LeBreton Transit Station to Pimisi Transit Station is much more than a symbolic gesture to honour its once plentiful presence within the Ottawa River or to serve as a footnote to its once extraordinary migration up and down Chaudière Falls. Rather the renaming to Pimisi Transit Station will draw public awareness and strengthen the call for action – to ensure the survival of the species. It is not lost on the Algonquin people that the survival of Pimisi is also an apt metaphor for the survival and rebuilding of the Algonquin Nation.

To ensure that this important message is conveyed powerfully, the Algonquins of Ontario request the inclusion of appropriate interpretative signage within the Pimisi Transit Station. We also encourage the City to explore opportunities to implement interactive multimedia applications to provide context for the naming of the Pimisi Transit Station and for the many other Algonquin elements within the design of the Transit Station. multimedia approach at the Pimisi Transit Station will strengthen the articulation of the Algonquin story and build on the current efforts that are being implemented through the Revitalization Project, the redevelopment of Rockcliffe Park with Canada Lands Corporation as well as the Rideau Canal Promenade project – an initiative involving the National Capital Commission, Parks Canada, the City of Ottawa, and the Algonquins of Ontario.

Thank you once again for the concerted efforts of the City of Ottawa to recognize and celebrate Algonquin art, culture and history in this exciting project.

Sincerely,

Janet Stavinga Executive Director

Attach 1: Algonquin Naming Opportunities – Seeking Your Ideas! Attach 2: Image of the American Eel, created by Tony Amikons, Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, for the Algonquins of Ontario report entitled Returning Kichisippi Pimisi – the American Eel – to the Ottawa River Basin Attach 3: Endangered eels discovered at Fleet Street pumping station, Ottawa Citizen, August 3, 2012 pg B1 c.c. Algonquin Negotiation Representatives Robert Potts, Principal Negotiator – AOO Jim Hunton, Vice-President, Jp2g Consultants Inc. Technical Advisor – AOO Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager, Planning and Infrastructure, City of Ottawa John Manconi, General Manager, Transit Services Department, City of Ottawa Bill Holmes, Manager, Transit Projects, Transit Services Department, City of Ottawa

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References

Algonquins of Ontario. December 2012. Returning Kichisippi Pimisi – the American Eel – to the Ottawa River Basin.

Allen, William A. Heritage One. Written communication November 24, 2011 and February 7, 2012.

Cannon, Katherine. Algonquin Negotiation Representative and Chief of Algonquin Nation Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini. Telephone interview September 23, 2011.

McDermott, Larry. Plenty Canada Executive Director. Written communication November 25, 2011 and February 7 & 13, 2012.

MacGregor, Robert. American Eel Recovery Team. Written communication November 24, 2011.

Whiteduck, Kirby. First Nation Algonquin Negotiation Representative and Chief of Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. Telephone interview October 18, 2011.

Allen, William A. 2007. Kichisippi Pimizi, Ottawa River’s American eel (Anguilla rostrata): A Depleted Species in a Degraded Watershed.

Commanda, Dr. William. Undated. Manoshkadosh: The American Eel. A Circle of All Nations Note.

Plenty Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Aboriginal Engagement Conference. 2008. Aboriginal Peoples’ American Eel Resolution.

Whiteduck, Kirby J. 2002. Algonquin Traditional Culture.