National Capital Commission
An artist’s rendering of the park and Algonquin-inspired art installation slated for LeBreton Flats.
A portion of LeBreton Flats will undergo a vivid transformation as the National Capital Commission begins construction on temporary renovations this fall, drawing on Algonquin culture and including a piece of Ottawa’s history.
A park of about two-and-a-half hectares will be constructed at the Booth Street intersection adjacent to Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. A plaza will be added on the west side of Booth Street. They will remain for about the next 10 years and provide members of the community with a new green space.
“It’s a means of improving the function and use of the site before the long-term redevelopment of LeBreton Flats,” says Richard Daigneault, project manager for the renovations.
The concept for the design is “harmony”, and celebrates the Algonquin philosophy of striking a balance between humans and the environment in which they live.
Daigneault says consultations with the public and stakeholders in the spring of 2014 indicated a strong interest in Algonquin culture. He pointed out this theme is being seen throughout many Ottawa projects, such as the renaming of LeBreton transit station to Pimisi station.
According to a release by the Algonquins of Ontario, the main focus of the park will be on interpreting local Algonquin culture.
“For drivers entering Canada’s capital, this design will remind them that the Algonquin people are still ever-present in our traditional territory,” the release says.
Daigneault says the initial work on the project is beginning this fall, as the NCC plans to complete all of the landscaping before winter arrives. The Algonquins of Ontario release stated this extensive landscaping work will produce a contoured design, representing the currents of a flowing river. Public art elements will then be added in the spring.
Daigneault says the design team has had initial conversations with two Algonquin communities, and has been working with the Department of Canadian Heritage. But it’s too early to name a specific artist or say what art will be featured.
The new plaza will be used to display the Fleck/Ahearn fountain. Pieces of the fountain were found during the decontamination of the Flats three years ago, and Daigneault estimates about 70 per cent of the original fountain has been found and rebuilt.
The fountain was erected in 1892 and dedicated to Lilias W. Fleck, whose son-in-law Thomas Ahearn is known for bringing electricity to Ottawa. The plaza will concentrate on Ahearn and his role in shaping the city.
Kelly Ray, a descendant of Ahearn on her mother’s side, says she is excited to have her family’s heritage remembered.
“Our mom would bring us there and tell us all about it,” says Ray, referencing a different memorial fountain once found at Lansdowne. “But it was later in life when I started doing history projects at school … then you kind of realize – wow, this is a big deal. I should be proud.”
Daigneault says the park and plaza will be a strong addition to the downtown core and open up the Flats in time for Ottawa’s anniversary celebration in 2017.
“We’re really hoping it’s going to change the whole dynamic of the area.”