East Wharf Shoreline Deck and Stabilization Project

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is planning to implement a shoreline access project just east of the mouth of the Rideau Canal, along the Ottawa River shoreline below Major's Hill Park. This location presents an opportunity for the establishment of an additional shoreline node. Referred to as East Wharf, this highly-visible site is located adjacent to the entrance locks of the Rideau Canal – a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, Canadian Heritage River and National Historic Site of Canada, and is located across from Parliament Hill.

The goal of the project is to design and implement a shoreline feature on NCC lands, consisting of a multi-level elevated deck stepping down to the water. The deck measures approximately 15 meters long by 11 meters wide and is made of wood. The structure is supported by cement foundations and a steel frame structure. The installation will allow for greater public use of the site by encouraging a diversity of passive and active uses, including fishing, social gathering, and enjoyment of scenic views.

Components are summarized as follows:

  • Installation of a multi-level deck system leading down to the water, with broad platforms for users to sit or gather and stairs to facilitate passage between the platforms;
  • Repairs and a minor realignment of a segment of the adjacent multi-use pathway;
  • Rehabilitation of an eroded section of shoreline adjacent to the platform using riprap;

Construction Stages

  • Installation of sediment and erosion control measures;
  • Installation of the substructure foundation and deck surface;
  • Demolition and excavation of a section of the existing pathway adjacent to the deck;
  • Rehabilitation of the slope using rip rap;
  • Repaving of the realigned pathway;

Site Restoration:

  • Topsoil placement and seeding;
  • Planting of vegetation;

Construction is planned to commence in the spring of 2025 and is to be completed by the end of the summer of 2025.

Coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is required as DFO may issue a letter of advice under the Fisheries Act for planned work in fish habitat.

More

Latest update

April 9th, 2025 – The National Capital Commission issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
2 Notice of Determination - April 9, 2025
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination - Start of Public Comment Period - March 7, 2025

Contacts

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


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.

  • Location

    • East Wharf Shoreline Deck and Stabilization Project (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Recreation and Tourism
    • Remediation and conservation

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-03-07

  • Proponent

    The National Capital Commission

  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89354

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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