
Rideau Canal Cultural Landscape Study
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Background
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
Study Area
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.
Next Steps
Work is underway to finalize the Rideau Canal Cultural Landscape Study for the Ottawa Reach. The Partners are committed to ensuring that Indigenous, stakeholder and public feedback is incorporated in the document. We expect the report to be completed by Fall 2025.
Timeline
August 2023: Project kick off
October 2023: Stakeholder engagement
November to December 2023: Public consultation activities: online survey and in-person pop-up kiosks
Fall 2025: Final report available
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