Image: New plaques honouring the Speed River, a tributary of the Grand River, written in English, French, Anishinaabe, and Mohawk.
Photo credit: Janet Ivey, Grand River Conservation Authority
The Grand River and its tributaries flow through both rural and urban communities, often serving as their heart. These rivers draw people to their shores for recreation, picnicking, and enjoying nature. In 2025, new plaques recognizing the Canadian Heritage River designation of the Grand River were installed at popular gathering places along its tributaries, the Speed and Eramosa rivers.
The original plaques were installed in 1999 (Speed River) and 2003 (Eramosa River) and featured English and French text. When the plaques were later stolen, the Grand River Conservation Authority saw an opportunity to work with the Canadian Heritage Rivers System and representatives from Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation to replace and update them.
The updated plaques feature refreshed messaging and new translations into French, Mohawk, and Ojibwe. The Grand River is known by many names, including the Mohawk name Ó:se Kaniataratátie’, meaning “Willow River,” and the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) name Pesshinneguning, meaning “the one that washes the timber down and drives away the grassweeds.” These names reflect the deep and enduring connections between the river, the land, and the people.
The plaque locations were also updated, moving them to areas with higher visitation and reduced risk of vandalism or theft. The new Speed River plaque is in the heart of Guelph next to the Covered Bridge, built in 1992 and inspired by 19th‑century architecture. The Eramosa River plaque can be found at Rockwood Conservation Area, near the ruins of the historic Harris Woolen Mill and the area’s towering limestone cliffs.
Together, these plaques celebrate the unique heritage of the Speed and Eramosa rivers and their importance to First Nations and the communities they flow through. They stand as a testament to the people, organizations, and communities working together to recognize and protect the Grand River and its watershed.
