RIVER HOUSE RESTORATION: NCC's historic River House now open for swimmers
The boathouse was designated a recognized federal heritage building in 2010.
Staff Reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Published Jul 31, 2023
The city’s newest destination for swimming — the National Capital Commission’s heritage River House — is now open to the public following a multi-million dollar restoration.
The NCC River House, previously known as the National Capital River Pavilion and the Ottawa River Boathouse, was designed by architect C.P. Meredith and constructed between 1914 and 1925 for the Ottawa New Edinburgh Canoe (ONEC) Club.
The NCC said the historic landmark, nestled on the Ottawa River just downstream from the Parliament Buildings, has been the site of canoeing, boating and recreational activities for nearly a century.
Several elements had to be restored to make it universally accessible year-round, the NCC said.
“The revitalization of the NCC River House is consistent with our vision to provide and facilitate new public access to the Ottawa River shoreline. 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,” said NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum in a statement last week.
The boathouse was designated a recognized federal heritage building in 2010 “because of its links to the history of canoeing in Canada, its architectural value as a rare example of early boathouse design, and its remarkable setting on the river,” the NCC said.
Swimming is available onsite with a newly-constructed dock providing access to the supervised swimming area.
Reservations are not required for swimming, and it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lifeguards will be on duty from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from July 26 to September 4.
The water is tested regularly for bacteriological water quality, though swimmers are encouraged to check online for water conditions before visiting.
Dogs and pets are not permitted on the docks or at the swimming area.
There are bike racks available on site and limited parking, though visitors are encouraged to use “active transportation.”
There are universally accessible toilets on site and a bistro service.
Room rentals are also available for events, with Bytown Catering managing reservations for the event space.
Work on the River House revitalization project began in 2019 and is now “substantially complete,” the NCC said.
The project included the conservation, repainting and reinstatement of the existing wood siding, a standard exterior wall assembly, the conservation of viable heritage windows and the installation of new windows that are compatible with the historic character, while providing the required thermal performance, the NCC said.
“The River House stands as a cornerstone for the National Capital Region, adding to the overall charm and beauty of the NCC’s assets,” said Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier in a statement. “With its symbolic and historical character, we commend the NCC for its leadership in protecting this heritage building, which will continue to be a landmark site for local communities and visitors alike, and the Ottawa Riverkeeper for being key players in the success of this project.”
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local...n-for-swimmers
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