NCC River House re-opens to the public

The National Capital Commission (NCC) River House has officially re-opened.

After undergoing a full rehabilitation process, the heritage building is now universally accessible year-round.

“The revitalization of the NCC River House is consistent with our vision to provide and facilitate new public access to the Ottawa River shoreline,” said Tobi Nussbaum, chief executive office of the NCC. “Like the redevelopment of Kìwekì Point and Westboro Beach, the renewal of this heritage building to make it universally accessible year-round will provide new opportunities for public access and enhance people’s recreational experience along the river.”

The NCC River House offers several new options for visitors to enjoy the shoreline along the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway and the Capital Pathway, including newly landscaped and universally accessible shore access. A public dock with an enclosed supervised swimming area will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 25 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning July 26. An outdoor patio with river views, a rentable event space as well as food and beverage amenities are also available.

The NCC River House required extensive renovations. The four-year project included:

• conservation, repainting and reinstatement of the existing wood siding;
• major site service upgrades and universal accessibility improvements to the building;
• replacement of the pedestrian bridge;
• conversion of an existing parking lot into universally accessible parking;
• provision of a new safe crossing on the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway for all users; and,
• implementation of new, universally accessible public dock infrastructure.

In 2010, the boathouse was designated a recognized Federal Heritage Building due to its longstanding links to the history of canoeing in Canada. Its architecture is a rare example of early boathouse design, and its unique setting on the river gives it special historical significance. Thank you to our tenants Bytown Catering, Ottawa Riverkeeper and Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC).

KEY FACTS 

• Work began in summer 2019 and was completed in July 2023.
• River House is a three-story building located on a water lot; and the lowest “occupied” floor, the club level, rests below the 100-year flood plain.
• This work falls under the NCC’s major infrastructure projects, and is funded by the Government of Canada’s $55-million investment (announced in the 2018 federal budget).