Carleton University has organized a brainstorming session aimed at revitalizing four islands in the Ottawa River and promoting the creation of an urban park on one of them: Victoria Island.
The so-called Chaudière Islands – Victoria, Chaudière, Albert and Amelia – are located below the Chaudière Bridge and comprise more than 45 acres of land at the north end of Booth Street.
The “charrette” is a gathering of undergraduates, graduates and professionals with a background in history, architecture, geography and indigenous studies.
“Brainstorming is wanted from different groups including architects, historians and archeologists. It’s the only way to understand that place – it’s a very complex place,” says Mariana Esponda Cascajares, co-organizer of the event and assistant professor at Carleton’s Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism.
The falls and islands are a vital part of Ottawa heritage, which includes English, French, First Nations, natural and industrial identities. All of those elements need to be considered in the redesign of the site as an urban park, which is why she co-organized the charrette, says Cascajares.
Cascajares says the goal of the charrette is to bring attention to the almost-forgotten islands.
It will take place over the weekend of March 2-4, and a jury will select the best proposals during Carleton University’s 8th annual Heritage Symposium.