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Mer Bleue Bog

Areas of Natural and Scientific InterestBogs of CanadaIUCN Category IINational Capital CommissionParks in Ottawa
Protected areas of OntarioRamsar sites in Ontario
Mer Bleue
Mer Bleue

Mer Bleue Bog is a 33.43 km2 (12.91 sq mi) protected area in Gloucester, Ontario, an eastern suburb of Ottawa in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Its main feature is a sphagnum bog that is situated in an ancient channel of the Ottawa River and is a remarkable boreal-like ecosystem normally not found this far south. Stunted black spruce, tamarack, bog rosemary, blueberry, and cottongrass are some of the unusual species that have adapted to the acidic waters of the bog. The area provides habitat for many species, including beaver, muskrat, waterfowl, and the rare spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata). A 1.2 km (¾ mile) boardwalk allows visitors to explore a section of the bog. There are hiking trails that follow raised areas along the edges of the bog and cross-country skiing trails for use in winter. The conservation area is managed by the National Capital Commission. The value of this unique wetland was not always recognized. During World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force used this area for bombing practice. Now, this area has been designated as a Ramsar site, a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention since October 1995, and an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest since 2011.The name "Mer Bleue" (French, meaning "blue sea") is thought to describe the bog's appearance when it is covered in morning fog.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Mer Bleue Bog (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Mer Bleue Bog
Ridge Road, Ottawa Gloucester (Osgoode)

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Geographical coordinates (GPS)

Latitude Longitude
N 45.4 ° E -75.5 °
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Address

Ridge Road 5585
K1W 0K7 Ottawa, Gloucester (Osgoode)
Ontario, Canada
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Mer Bleue
Mer Bleue
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Avalon, Ottawa

Avalon is a neighbourhood located in Orleans, a suburb in the east end of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Prior to amalgamation in 2001, the area was in the City of Cumberland. This neighbourhood was non-existent until the late 1990s when the urban sprawl intensified in the east end. Avalon quickly developed in the area is now bordered to the north by Innes Road, to the east by a line following (from north to south) Portobello Boulevard to Brian Coburn Boulevard to Trim Road, the west by Mer Bleue Road and to the south by Wall Road. According to the Canada 2011 Census, this area had a population of 12,455.The development of the area slowed when the developer had to return to previously built houses to fix foundations. Some have criticized the builder for building on swampland without proper engineering.At the intersection of Innes and Tenth Line, a large commercial zone with several department and big-box stores developed in conjunction of the residential boom of Avalon. This new district displaced some customers away from Place d'Orléans. A smaller commercial area is currently underway on Trim Road south of Innes. Plans by the city of Ottawa may bring an O-Train east-west light-rail line in the area but it was still several years away. However, the cancellation of the north-south extension project on December 14, 2006 may halt those plans. The neighbourhood is part of the Portobello South Community Development Association, which also includes Notting Gate and Notting Hill.