Westboro Beach Reopens

News Release

June 1, 2025

New amenities and interpretation give this shoreline gem year-round appeal

National Capital Region — The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce the reopening of Westboro Beach as a vibrant, year-round riverfront destination. Following extensive renovations, Westboro Beach now features a new zero-carbon pavilion that includes a restaurant, café, and accessible amenities.

Westboro Beach is one of the key green spaces covered in the Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan, which envisions a continuous, accessible 9 km shoreline park stretching from Lebreton Flats to Mud Lake. The new Westboro Beach area includes a range of new features, such as:

accessible pathways and a scenic riverfront lookout;
interpretation panels on local history and geology, and a historical themed children’s play area;
picnic and volleyball spaces;
outdoor showers located near the supervised swimming area and gender-neutral washrooms.

The site is rich in history from the days of the thriving lumber industry along its shores to over a century of public use. It also boasts rare geological features.

The NCC wishes to thank area residents and community associations for their patience and cooperation during the life of the project.

The forecasted budget for this project is $21M dollars, including a $13.5M contribution from the City of Ottawa. This contribution was part of the 2015 agreement between the NCC and the City of Ottawa for the western light rail transit (LRT) extension and the creation of a riverfront park.

QUOTES

“It's an incredibly proud day for Ottawa Centre as we celebrate the long-awaited opening of Westboro Beach. Thanks to the National Capital Commission’s significant revitalization efforts, this shoreline space is returned to the public with enhanced accessibility and new amenities, perfect for year-round enjoyment. I look forward to seeing our community embrace this transformed beach, creating lasting memories and continuing to cherish our vital green spaces.”
—Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

“For generations, Westboro Beach has always been more than a destination – it’s a gathering place. A place where stories are shared, where families grow, and where the rhythms of the river remind us of our connection to the land and to each other. Thank you to the NCC employees and contractors, to the community members and the Indigenous partners who contributed to creating such a beautiful gem on the Ottawa River.”
—Maryse Gaudreault, Chairperson, National Capital Commission

“The NCC’s design excellence and innovation are on full display at Westboro Beach, where nature, community and history come together. With the community’s engagement and support, we were able to deliver a project that enhances the shoreline in the west end, and is emblematic of our commitment to creating sustainable, accessible and vibrant public spaces in the National Capital Region.”
— Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission

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