Long Live A Free Magpie

A documentary by Lisa Utronki

A pristine river in northern Quebec was at threat by the infrastructure of a new hydro-electric dam. The Magpie's thriving eco system and it's water ways was at severe risk. When the word got out, a group of the top international kayakers came together to showcase the value in the river and it's eco-system. The dam producers, Hydromega and those hoping to benefit from the dam were shell shocked at the attention this river was getting. As due process, the BAPE commission of Canada had to do an impact study. With many groups like Rivieres Foundation, Greenpeace and Sierra Club, they able to voice the impact a new dam would create. The outcome was a huge success. It was recommended to resurrect the existing dam, rather than building a new structure. Today the Magpie River runs free. In fact, today it is the first river to have recognized rights in Canada.