The Madawaska River is a river in the Saint Lawrence Riverdrainage basin in Ontario, Canada.[1][2] The river is 230 km (143 mi) long and drains an area of 8,470 km2 (3,270 sq mi).[3] Its name comes from an Algonquian band of the region known as "Matouweskarini", meaning "people of the shallows".
In the late 19th century, the river was used to transport logs from the forested areas surrounding the river. Beginning in the 1960s, the river was used to generate hydroelectric power. Undammed sections of the river are also used for canoeing, kayaking and recreational fishing.
In June 2002 sluice gates at the Barrett Chute Generating Station were accidentally opened, killing two people, and injuring seven. OPG and two employees were charged with criminal negligence. Procedures at the plant were reviewed, and fencing added or repaired.[6]
The Calabogie station is being upgraded in 2022 to double capacity from 5 MW to 10 MW.[7] The original station was badly damaged by a tornado in September 2018. Clean up was completed in 2020. The project is expected to cost 100 million dollars. [8]
Provincial parks
Two sections of the river are designated and protected as provincial waterway parks:
Both parks are administered by Ontario Parks but are non-operating, meaning there are no visitor facilities or services available. Both are ideal for whitewater canoeing.
