Westboro Beach closed for redevelopment project

The popular Westboro Beach will be closed this summer to allow for the construction of a modernized plan for the area. 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) board of directors approved a redesign plan at an April 7 board meeting. Design plans include a new modern restaurant and community space, historic interpretations of the site, children's play areas, outdoor showers, separate bike lanes and lanes for pedestrians. 

“This is quite a big project that has been in the books for awhile,” said Marie Poirier, a senior architect with the NCC on The Sam Laprade Show on April 11, 2022. “We are adding amenities and improving accessibility at the site.”

Poirier said other popular beaches across Ottawa, like Britannia Beach, will be open for people to enjoy, adding that there wasn't a plausible way to keep the beach open as work was being done at the site for safety reasons. 

“It's going to be short-term pain, for long-term gain,” she added. 

The NCC is leading the project and the City of Ottawa's main involvement on the site is the programming of beach operations. 

Westboro Beach is one of the green spaces covered by the Ottawa River South Shore Riverfront Park Plan, which calls for the creation of a continuous, nine kilometre riverfront park connecting LeBreton Flats to Mud Lake. It also provides guidance on facilities, amenities and design improvements needed at Westboro Beach.

Construction is expected to start later this month. 

Please listen Marie Poirier's full interview on The Sam Laprade Show on April 11 below: