News release
August 20, 2026
National Capital Region — The National Capital Commission (NCC) and Kruger Products Inc. opened today the new Confluence Park in Gatineau, a 10,000 m² public green space on the site of Kruger Products’ Laurier plant. Developed in several phases, the creation of this riverside park is the result of a shared vision to transform 13% of the plant’s land into a welcoming space through extensive landscaping. Visitors will also be able to explore a permanent exhibition highlighting the area’s history and industrial heritage.
The official inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant; accompanied by the Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull–Aylmer; Suzanne Tremblay, Member of the National Assembly of Quebec for Hull; Rachel M. Deslauriers, President of the Commission de l'environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques and Councillor for Mitigomijokan, on behalf of Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau; Gene Kruger, Co President of Kruger Inc.; Maryse Gaudreault, Chairperson of the Board, National Capital Commission (NCC); Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission; as well as other representatives from Kruger, the NCC and project partners.
Shaping the future, preserving the past
Launched in 2022, the project encompasses a range of initiatives, including modernizing lighting in the surrounding area, as well as architectural and aesthetic improvements to the plant’s façade. The construction of the park was completed in recent months with the addition of streetscaping elements and the planting of hundreds of trees and shrubs. Today, the park features more than 400 deciduous trees, nearly 20 conifers, about 830 shrubs and more than 7,500 square metres of seeded grass and ecological restoration areas. The use of native plants adapted to local climate conditions will contribute to the site’s ecological resilience. The park, located along Laurier Street and bordered by the Capital Pathway, is easily accessible on foot or by bike and offers exceptional views of the Ottawa River and Canada’s Parliament Hill.
In addition, a permanent exhibition has been set up along Laurier Street to highlight the area’s history and industrial heritage. Through a series of panels featuring period photographs, it offers a look at the area’s evolution, its relationship with the Ottawa River and its contribution to the region’s economic growth.
“The Confluence Park reflects the kind of future we want to build for Gatineau and the National Capital Region: greener, more accessible, and more connected communities. By working with the NCC, Kruger and our partners, our government is helping open up the waterfront to the public, celebrate Gatineau’s industrial heritage, and invest in projects that make a real difference in people’s daily lives. This is how we build stronger communities and a national capital that all Canadians can be proud of.” – The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
"The inauguration of Confluence Park marks the addition of a brand-new green space in the heart of the Gatineau-Ottawa region. This achievement stems from an innovative agreement that will allow Kruger Products Inc. to continue its operations at its historic site while giving back to the Gatineau community. This park is the result of an exemplary commitment to a shared vision for our region."– The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Gatineau
“The Outaouais River has been at the heart of our community’s history, commerce, and industrial growth. This new green space will provide an oasis where we can come together and recharge. With the opening of Confluence Park, we are celebrating our history while building a greener, stronger future for everyone.”– The Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer
“This new park is the result of a shared vision between the National Capital Commission and Kruger Products. The City is proud to have contributed to the project by enabling its designation in the heart of downtown Gatineau, along the Ottawa River shoreline. The park’s name, Confluence, beautifully captures both the meeting of the rivers at Chaudière Falls and the coming together of partners around a common goal: restoring public access to this remarkable landscape, which is deeply rooted in our region’s history.”– Rachel M. Deslauriers, President of the Commission de l'environnement et de la lutte aux changements climatiques and Councillor for Mitigomijokan, on behalf of Maude Marquis-Bissonnette, Mayor of Gatineau
“The opening of this new park is a significant contribution by the Kruger family to the community. As you know, restoring access to the shoreline is a priority for the National Capital Commission. What was once primarily known as an industrial area is now a place where everyone can enjoy the river, nature and history, and connect with others.”– Maryse Gaudreault, Chairperson of the Board, National Capital Commission
“For nearly 30 years, Kruger Products has been part of the Gatineau community, on a site whose history dates back to 1890. We are pleased to have been able to convert a portion of the plant’s land into a park accessible to everyone. This project brings together the site’s industrial past, the activities that continue there today thanks to our 450 employees, and the community that will enjoy this new space for years to come.”– Gene Kruger, Co-President, Kruger Inc.
About the National Capital Commission
The National Capital Commission is the federal Crown corporation that ensures the National Capital is a dynamic and inspiring source of pride for all Canadians and a legacy for future generations. Building on more than a century of experience, the NCC provides unique value in the Capital Region by fulfilling three specific roles: long term planner of federal lands, principal steward of nationally significant public places and creative partner committed to excellence in development and conservation.
About Kruger Products Inc. (Kruger Products)
Kruger Products is Canada’s leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for households, industrial and commercial use. Kruger Products serves the Canadian consumer market with well-known brands such as Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels®, Scotties® and Bonterra®. The Kruger PRO division manufactures and distributes high-quality, cost-effective product solutions to a wide range of commercial and public entities. A Greater Toronto Area Top Employer for the past fourteen years, Kruger Products has approximately 2,500 employees in Canada and was once again named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2026. The Company operates ten FSC® COC-certified (FSC C-104904) production facilities in North America. For more information, visit www.krugerproducts.ca.
About KP Tissue Inc. (KPT)
KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited equity interest in Kruger Products, which is accounted for as an investment on the equity basis. KPT currently holds a 12% interest in Kruger Products. For more information, visit www.kptissueinc.com.
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