by Christopher Dennison, Municipal Policy Intern

Everyone knows the old saying, “these things just happen for a reason”.

I have entertained long debates with friends and family over this old adage, and I still wonder whether I could prescribe to such a saying when the global community finds itself at the mercy of a deadly, unforgiving virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has uprooted countless lives, and it would also lead to somewhat of a crossroad in my own life.

My wife and I are both River Rats, born and raised on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and Thousand Islands National Park. There are few things in this world that bring me more joy than the cackle of a belted kingfisher overhead, the symphony of the peepers and chorus frogs in spring, or the sudden thump of a fish striking my lure.

These are memories and values that stay close no matter where I go, no matter where. Perhaps these were the things that drew me towards the decision to move my family back home when the virus had us at our lowest point; to escape from the urban confines of the nation’s capital for the rural shores I hold so dear.

I must admit, not long after our return I felt a bit disillusioned with my decision. I had given up an exciting opportunity at Carleton University and what I expected were better job prospects, and for what exactly? I was discouraged for a time, but the familiar sounds of the shore continued to reassure me during my morning runs and evening hikes, even when things seemed bleak.

And then I stumbled across an advertisement one morning over a cup of tea. It was for a job with an organization called Watersheds Canada, an internship which involved working on key issues related to shoreland stewardship and land-use in Ontario. I applied, landed an interview, and later received a job offer on a sunny October afternoon, standing not a stones throw from the shores of the St. Lawrence. I must admit, I hadn’t jumped so high since my Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup all the way back in 2011.

My tenure as Municipal Policy Intern at Watersheds Canada has taught me a great deal. I have had the privilege of receiving support from a steering committee with more knowledge and experience than most could fit in a room, and have worked with fellow staff who are welcoming, eager to provide support, and who all share the same love of shoreland ecosystems. A blog post is far too short a time to explain the level of gratitude I have for my colleagues, and all of the personal and professional growth they have afforded me.

One of the major components of my work has been the development of three stakeholder surveys directed at municipal officials, planners, and lake and river associations. The goal was to take a ground-up approach to developing a best-management practices resource related to sustainable shoreland land-use and development; a project now named Planning for our Shorelands. This involved determining what the aforementioned stakeholder groups believed were the most persistent barriers to shoreland stewardship in their region, and what they needed to solve these issues in their respective position.

These surveys and subsequent outreach have involved thorough communication with a diversity of shoreland influencers. In total, we received feedback from 123 lake and river association members, 44 municipal officials (including mayors and members of council), and 23 planners working for conservation authorities and municipalities. The feedback from these participants has provided me deeper insight into the complex issue of shoreland management, and the continued plight of many lakes and rivers due to unsustainable practices on their shores.

A preview from the Shoreland survey results report.

What seems to be missing, according to our survey participants, is scientifically informed resources, accessible educative initiatives, and most importantly perhaps, meaningful collaboration. Indeed, if my time with Watersheds Canada has proved anything it is the power of collaboration, and the project, Planning for our Shorelands, has strived to be one predicated on the sharing and discussion of new ideas and partnerships for the betterment of shorelands across Ontario. A true balance of interests and subsequent sustainability on our shores will only come when we work together, and this was made apparent from the results of our surveys.

But where does this reflection fit with my original analysis of the phrase, “things happen for a reason”?

Close to a year ago, I found myself questioning what my next step in life would be. Little did I know that the draw of the shore would answer this question. Being closer to the natural spaces where I feel most secure and peaceful also happened to bring me closer towards the dream opportunity to work for an environmental organization, and also towards the goal of making a tangible difference through the building of partnerships which serve to protect shoreland ecosystems.

In this case, I suppose my return to the shores of the Thousand Islands did happen for a reason. This return has also strengthened my desire to continue collaborating with shoreland influencers to find solutions to issues of sustainability around our precious lakes and rivers. It is my hope that the Planning for our Shorelands project, including the results of our stakeholder surveys, will provide perspective and guidance to shoreland influencers. More than this, I hope it reminds us all of the important role shorelands serve in our lives, not only as ecosystems and natural resources, but also as subtle reminders that it is sometimes true — things just happen for a reason.

My view along the Thousand Islands.