Canada Lands Company, along with its partner, the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), is finalizing plans for Kishkabika Park (Park 1) at Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains, located in Ottawa, Ontario. This website has been created to share the concept plan for the park and obtain input from the community on certain design and recreational features of the park. This feedback will inform the park’s final details before Canada Lands submits the plan to the City of Ottawa for approval.
Canada Lands invites you to share your thoughts about the park on the ideas wall. A link can be found below.
The platform will be open until October 15, 2021.
Overview
About Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains
Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains is a 310-acre development that is located 15 minutes east of Ottawa’s downtown on traditional Algonquin territory that overlooks the Ottawa River. The site was acquired by Canada Lands in 2011 after it entered a Participation Agreement with the AOO. The Agreement provides a framework for an ongoing relationship and the realization of mutual benefits as the site is developed and specifically provides for the commemoration of the history and connection of the Algonquin people with the site.
About Kishkabika Park
Located between the future Ooshedinaa Street and Codd’s Road, Kishkabika Park (Park 1) will be the largest park in the Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains community at 10.3 hectares/25.5 acres. It is one of three parks entirely dedicated to commemorating Algonquin history through its amenities as well as featuring a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials identified as having cultural, spiritual, and educational significance to the Algonquin people.
The objective of the Park is to honour Algonquin identity and culture and create a destination as this will be the largest park within Wateridge Village. This outdoor destination needs to meet the needs of the community and its residents through varied activities for the young and not so young, in all seasons, through active and passive experiences.
About the Concept Plan
The concept plan is a collaboration between Canada Lands Company and the AOO working with Landscape Architect Fotenn Planning and Design and the City of Ottawa’s Recreation and Parks team. Scroll down to view the plan.
About Partners
Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing, federal Crown corporation that specializes in real estate, development and attractions management and is the owner of Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains. Its goal is to help transform the places and spaces it owns and operates to meet the needs of Canadians with inspiring and sustainable new neighbourhoods.
Algonquins of Ontario
Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) represent ten Algonquin communities working together to negotiate a modern-day treaty setting out Algonquin Aboriginal and treaty rights protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. A Participation Agreement, signed with Canada Lands Company in 2010, established a direct financial interest for the AOO in the development of Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains. It also outlined opportunities to commemorate Algonquin history and connections to the site and for Algonquin people to engage in all stages of site planning and development. Already, the AOO has been involved in street naming and planning Algonquin commemorative parks and gateway features. The AOO are connecting with Algonquin Elders, veterans, and community members to ensure that Algonquin history and culture is expressed through the site.
Park Theme and Features
The Park name “Kishkabika” is Algonquin for “rock cliff” and the concept focuses on the creation of a direct connection to water which represents lifeblood, source of food, trade, transportation and gathering. Algonquin commemoration elements will be incorporated into the design of the shade shelter, the materials and design of the playground equipment and the use of Indigenous plant species of significance. As one of three parks entirely dedicated to the Algonquin people, commemoration elements will be incorporated throughout the park.
Main features of the park:
- A gateway entrance that honours the Algonquin tradition.
- Subtle commemoration of the Algonquin culture with the planting of trees and shrubs of cultural, spiritual and educational significance to the Algonquin people.
- A waterfall as well as a lookout platform to provide a sense of being on the water, creating a visual connection to the Ottawa River and physical landmark when viewed from outside of the site.
- A prominent shade structure with an Algonquin-guided design.
- An amphitheatre/teaching circle will provide space for performances, ceremonies, and education.
- Open space designed with significant preservation of existing trees and vegetation to provide areas for formal and informal gatherings, picnics, etc.
- Representation of Indigenous animals incorporated in the junior and senior-aged playgrounds and splash pad.
- A winter sliding hill that offers a view of the Ottawa River and a puddle rink for skating.
- A cycling path that connects to the National Capital Commission trail network and the future Tanakiwin Park (North East Woods).
- Possibility of community food gardens and a dog park.
- Parking on the east and west portion of the park, street parking along with service access.
View the concept plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Kishkabika Park be located?
Kishkabika Park (Park 1) in Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains will be located between the future Ooshedinaa Street and Codd’s Road overlooking the Ottawa River.
Who are the Algonquins of Ontario?
The Algonquins of Ontario are comprised of 10 Algonquin communities. These include:
• Antoine
• Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
• Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini
• Ottawa
• Snimikobi
• Whitney and Area
Today’s Algonquins of Ontario share a history of common interests, traditions and needs arising from their common heritage. You can learn more about the AOO at www.tanakiwin.com.
Why are Canada Lands Company and the Algonquins of Ontario working together?
The Participation Agreement which Canada Lands Company and the Algonquins of Ontario entered into in 2010 provides a framework for an ongoing relationship and the realization of mutual benefits as Wateridge Village is developed. Specifically, the Participation Agreement provides opportunities for cooperation between the Algonquins of Ontario and Canada Lands Company, including:
- Commemoration of the history and connection of the Algonquin people with the site;
- AOO engagement in all stages of concept development, land use planning and detailed design; and
- The opportunity for AOO to acquire lots or blocks under the municipally-approved plan, as development takes place.
Why is this virtual public open house taking place now?
The engagement on the design of Kishkabika Park (Park 1) began in 2013 following the Algonquin Elder’s tour of Wateridge Village/Village des Riverains. Through the development of the Community Design Plan, the vision for this park was realized as a year-round destination for people of all ages. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re using this website to obtain feedback from the public on the proposed concept plan for Kishkabika Park (Park 1) before submitting to the City of Ottawa for approval.
What will Kishkabika Park features include?
Park features include:
- A gateway entrance and interpretive elements that honour the Algonquin tradition
- A gathering area with seating
- Splash pad and playground area
- A small parking lot
- A belvedere and lookout to celebrate the Algonquin’s connection to the water.
- A teaching circle/amphitheatre
- A sliding hill
- Outdoor skating rink
- Potential for community food gardens and fenced dog run
- A cycling path that connects to the National Capital Commission trail network and the future Tanakiwin Park
How will the Algonquins of Ontario be commemorated as part of the development on the site?
The name "Kishkabika" is Algonquin for "rock cliff." The theme for Kishkabika Park is centered around the Algonquin presence in the Ottawa Valley. The concept focuses on the creation of a direct connection to water which represents lifeblood, source of food, trade, transportation and gathering. Algonquin commemorative elements will include the use of Indigenous plant species of significance as representations of important Indigenous symbols.
What other opportunities will I have to comment?
The public will have additional opportunities to provide feedback on the plan as part of the City of Ottawa’s approval process.
How can I remain informed of this project?
Please sign up for our newsletter to remain informed about Wateridge Village and as work on Kishkabika Park (Park 1) progresses: https://wateridge.ca/register/
What is the deadline to provide my comments through this engagement platform?
This website will be open for comments until October 15, 2021.
Project Timeline
