Water-Powers of Canada (1911) is a report prepared by Leo G. Denis and Arthur V. White for the Commission of Conservation. Active from 1909 to 1921, the Commission of Conservation was an advisory body that researched and made recommendations to Parliament on natural resources and their use and management (see Conservation).
Water-Powers of Canada compiles nearly two-years of research, including field surveys, about water-power and its development in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and British Columbia (see Hydroelectricity in Canada). The report recognizes the significant role water plays in power development. It also acknowledges that water is important for municipal and domestic water supply, navigation, agriculture and industry. To safeguard the development of water-power in Canada, the report recommends considering how water is utilized by various sectors and understanding that precipitation is the source of the water used (see Rain; Snow). In addition, the document calls for more reliable data related to rainfall and watersheds, as well as topographical maps. (See also Drainage Basin; National Topographic System.)
An image from the report’s chapter on "Water-Power Data" is included below. The Canadian Encyclopedia includes this primary source as part of a partnership with the Canadian Research Knowledge Network’s Canadiana collections. For the work in its entirety, please visit their website.
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Page 22A of Leo G. Denis, Arthur V. White’s account on the water-powers of Canada, for the Commission of Conservation.
(by Leo G. Denis and Arthur V. White, courtesy Canadiana)