Rideau Canal Cultural Landscape Study

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a national historic site of Canada, and a Canadian heritage river, the Rideau Canal is one of the defining features of the National Capital Region. Residents and visitors alike cherish the beauty and recreational opportunities this waterway brings to the city.

Parks Canada, the National Capital Commission (NCC), and the City of Ottawa have engaged Matrix Heritage to produce a cultural landscape study of the northern section of the Ottawa corridor of the Rideau Canal, from the Ottawa Locks through to Hogs Back Locks, that outlines its heritage values and character-defining elements.

The Rideau Canal Cultural Landscape Study will be a guiding document for the three partner organizations to inform their respective planning, reporting, project development, and review of internal and external proposals for both the lockstation grounds and the lands along the Rideau Canal.

You can find information about the responsibilities of each of the partner organizations at the following links:

• National Capital Commission
• City of Ottawa
  • Official Plan
  • Ontario Heritage Act

The study area, referred to as the Ottawa Urban Section of the Rideau Canal, stretches from the Ottawa Locks at the Ottawa River in the north, to Hogs Back Locks in the south, encompassing approximately 8.0 kilometres. This study focuses on the Rideau Canal itself, areas in its immediate vicinity, and those with a significant influence on the canal, including Carleton University, Echo Drive, and locations offering important viewpoints along the canal.