Nepean Point Redevelopment, Part 1B

As one of the major Capital Core Area Parks within the National Capital Region, Nepean Point is a significant property for the National Capital Commission (NCC). The site measures about 20,100 square metres, and is located on a natural limestone escarpment bordering the Ottawa River.  The site offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the region and is located directly adjacent to the National Gallery of Canada.

The existing site layout, completed in 1974, includes the Astrolabe Theatre, a concrete amphitheatre with a ticket booth, storage and change room facilities, and a stage.  The site is also home to the Samuel de Champlain statue and monument identified in Parks Canada's Directory of Federal Heritage Designations, under the National Historic Person designation.  Nepean Point also houses a variety of public art sculptures that are owned by the National Gallery of Canada. The NCC is leading the Nepean Point Redevelopment project, which is based on the winning design of an International Landscape Design Competition, held in 2017 by the NCC.  Beginning with a June 2014 visioning and design workshop, and continuing into October 2017 with proposal presentations by the Design Competition finalists, stakeholder groups and members of the community have been able to help define key goals of the Redevelopment project from its inception.

The winning innovative Landscape Architectural design will create a lively, 21st century green space in the heart of the National Capital that provide the opportunity for a new interpretation, improved landscape and enhanced public access. The plan includes:

  • Replacement of a section of the existing perimeter fence with a landscape
    ha-ha and a perimeter walking path.  A ha-ha is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier while preserving an uninterrupted view of the landscape beyond, which in this project consists of the Ottawa River and the National Capital Core Area;
  • The addition of architectural features that introduce a series of deep-seated nooks framing panoramic views to the Ottawa River;
  • Various walking paths throughout the site;
  • Revised entrances to facilitate access to Nepean Point, which includes the reintroduction of a pedestrian bridge linking Major's Hill and Nepean Point Parks.

Subject to the availability of funding and the attainment of federal approvals from its Board of Directors, the NCC is proposing to move forward with the implementation of Part 1B of the project plan. This includes:

  • All site works related to the redevelopment of the park, including excavation, bedrock removal and regrading.
  • Construction of new pathways, lighting, benches and other site furnishings, as well as stormwater infrastructure.
  • Construction of a large architectural feature called the Whispering Point, which consists of sheltered seating nooks with a view toward the Ottawa River.
  • Reinstallation of the Samuel de Champlain statue and monument, the Anishinabe Scout statue, the Boundary Marker, and the Centennial Survey Monuments.
  • Reinstallation of the National Gallery of Canada art sculptures named Black Nest and Water Planet and Majestic.
  • Landscaping of the site, including landscape mounds, large caliper trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses.
  • Installation of pathway lighting and site furnishings.

Throughout 2020, the site has been in a state of construction. The project will continue to be coordinated with stakeholders identified throughout its implementation phase, which also includes coordination with the National Gallery of Canada.

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Latest update

Notice of Determination

 

Ottawa – March 25, 2021 –The National Capital Commission, as lead authority, and the National Gallery of Canada have jointly determined on February 24, 2021, that the Nepean Point Redevelopment, Part 1B project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:
··technically and economically feasible mitigation measures.

The National Capital Commission and the National Gallery of Canada are satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
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Contacts

National Capital Commission
Environmental Assessment
40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8
Email: IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca


  • Location

    • Ottawa (Ontario)
  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified
  • Assessment Status

    Completed
  • Start Date

    2020-09-04
  • Proponent

    The National Capital Commission
  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission
    • National Gallery of Canada
  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands
  • Reference Number

    80976
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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...within 200 kilometres
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