Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) Redevelopment

Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) is one of the most spectacular lookouts in the National Capital Region, making it a key Capital destination.

The NCC is currently redeveloping the site to create a lively, 21st century park, in the heart of the Capital. The site is closed until summer 2024 to ensure the safety and security of the general public during the redevelopment.

A new name

The NCC Board of Directors has approved new names for Nepean Point and the new pedestrian bridge (connecting Major’s Hill Park to Nepean Point).

The new names are as follows:

• Nepean Point: Kìwekì Point (meaning “returning to one’s homeland”)
• Pedestrian bridge: Pìdàban Bridge (meaning “dawn”)

The names selected are in line with the interpretation plan for the Nepean Point redevelopment, as well as with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. These new names highlight Algonquin voices, and showcase Algonquin culture and language.

Construction

The site has been under construction since November 2019. We have completed the demolition of the Astrolabe Theatre and the removal of monuments and statues, including art sculptures from the National Gallery of Canada. These either have been relocated or are now in storage and undergoing restoration. The plan is to reintegrate them as part of the redevelopment.

The site is closed for construction purposes, but the public still has access to the remaining National Gallery of Canada art pieces located outside of the construction zone. The NCC and the National Gallery of Canada are taking appropriate measures to protect the art pieces.

The Samuel de Champlain and Anishinabe Scout statues were removed to prepare for construction. As part of this redevelopment, the NCC will move the statues to their new locations within the park.

The “Big River Landscape” concept plan guides the redevelopment of Kìwekì Point. It is the winning entry, by Janet Rosenberg & Studio, from the 2017 international design competition.

The design will improve the park in terms of universal accessibility, interpretation, landscaping and new vistas. It also features:

• two levels of unobstructed views of the Capital Region;
• an architectural shelter named the Whispering Point; and
• a new pedestrian bridge recalling the historical pedestrian connection between Major’s Hill Park and Kìwekì Point.

Through coordination, the project team has refined the winning design. The revisions align with refined cost estimates and changes in the surrounding context.

Throughout the project, the NCC consulted the public, federal stakeholders and First Nations partners.

In 2021 and 2022, the NCC held site visits and work sessions with federal stakeholders and representatives of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. The sessions focused on the approach for the interpretation elements and the final locations of the statues.

Part 1

Part 1 of the plan focuses on the park’s landscape design, including the pedestrian bridge to Major’s Hill Park.

Features of the design include the following:

• improvements to the perimeter wall
• the construction of a landscape ha-ha feature
• the construction of a pedestrian bridge, connecting Kìwekì Point to Major’s Hill Park
• the construction of an architectural shelter facing the Ottawa River
• various pathways leading to multiple discovery experiences for visitors
• intricate mature tree plantings throughout the park site

The perimeter wall and landscape ha-ha feature will offer spectacular unobstructed views of the Capital, and will increase biodiversity in the plantings at the park’s edge.

Part 2

Part 2 of the plan will focus on the entrances to Kìwekì Point park from Sussex Drive through the National Gallery of Canada property, and the reconfiguration of St. Patrick Street. It is part of a separate project which will need coordination through various federal and municipal partners.

We launched the Kìwekì Point redevelopment in 2014. The project is ongoing.

2014: Launch of project
A public planning workshop helped us develop a vision and design elements for Kìwekì Point

2017: International design competition
The Board of Directors approves the winning proposal, entitled “Big River Landscape,” in November

2019: Beginning of demolition

2020: Board approval of revised concept

2021: Board approval of the remaining design elements

In 2021, the NCC began implementing many elements of the park:

• the infrastructure required for the various project elements
• the construction of the below-grade mechanical room
• the architectural shelter structure
• the perimeter wall and the landscape ha-ha feature
• the foundations for lighting fixtures

2022: Board approval of the site plan amendment and renaming of the site

2024: Estimated completion of construction and official opening

The project is scheduled to be completed, and the site reopened by summer 2024.

The redevelopment implementation of this project is part of the NCC’s major infrastructure projects made possible with the Government of Canada’s $52.4-million investment from the 2020 federal budget.