News Release
April 7, 2022
Canada’s Capital Region—The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Board of Directors today approved the final design for the Westboro Beach Pavilion and landscape. This milestone allows this important Capital-building project to move forward, with construction beginning this spring, to create a more vibrant, active space that will improve the visitor experience and quality of life for residents.
Westboro Beach is a key hub on the Ottawa side of the historic Ottawa River. This project will see the rehabilitation of the beach-level Strutt Pavilion, a heritage structure designed by well-known Ottawa architect James Strutt, to provide updated modern amenities which are inclusive and accessible.
The NCC will also build a new, highly sustainable, zero-carbon pavilion at the upper level to serve the public year-round. The new Park Pavilion is designed to reflect the heritage and natural context of the site by minimizing the building footprint and carefully integrating with the heritage building, while maximizing the views of the majestic Ottawa River.
Improvements on the site will also include:
- new modern restaurant and community space
- historical interpretation of the site
- river lookouts
- children’s play areas
- outdoor showers
- gender-neutral and fully accessible washrooms
Unfortunately, the scale of the work to be done on the site means that Westboro Beach—including the parking lot—will be closed for the summer of 2022. This temporary closure is necessary for public safety and security reasons, and because the areas surrounding the beach will be used for construction staging. Beach lovers will have other options nearby, including Britannia Beach and the beach at Mooneys Bay.
There will also be intermittent closures of the Capital Pathway at Westboro Beach, and detours will be in place during most of the construction period. Follow the NCC’s digital platforms for the latest information.
LINK
Media Information:
Valérie Dufour
NCC Media Relations
613-797-0279
valerie.dufour@ncc-ccn.ca