Dows Lake Recreational Dock Installation
The NCC is installing a new recreational dock at Dows Lake, near the intersection of Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Lakeside Avenue. This is part of an ongoing effort to improve public access to the region’s waterways and animate the shorelines.
Work will start in early April and continue intermittently until May. The dock is expected to open in May.
Project impacts
Intermittent pathway closures: The pathway near Lakeside Avenue will be intermittently closed to facilitate the creation of a new pathway leading to the dock.
Construction equipment: Expect construction equipment on-site throughout the pathway work and dock installation.
About the project
New additions include:
- A recreational dock
- A portable washroom with wood privacy screening
- Pathway slow-zone indicators
- A pathway extension connecting the dock to the existing network
- Bicycle racks
- Seating
- Landscaping
The dock will provide seating and lounging space and be available for activities like paddleboarding. The NCC is also exploring the possibility of safe swimming in the future. This dock location was chosen because of greater water depth, less aquatic vegetation, water quality, and easy access to the multi-use pathway.
The dock will be installed while Rideau Canal water levels are low to limit the impact on local ecosystems. This project involves collaboration with Parks Canada and follows a low-impact installation plan.
Process and timeline
- March: Pathway creation
- April: Dock installation
- Early May: Furnishings, pathway enhancements and site signage installation
- Mid-May: Dock opening
- Late May: Additional shoreline landscaping and project completion
Public engagement
We will invite members of the public to provide their feedback on the new recreational dock throughout the summer. An online survey will be available from May to October.
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