Our winning concept for the Kìwekì Point Park Redevelopment (formerly Nepean Point), entitled Big River Landscape, was approved by the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Board of Directors on November 23, 2017. Throughout the course of the project from schematic design to construction, JRS has led an extensive consultant team to maintain the original design intent and ambitions while aligning with complex budget and scope updates.

The design strengthens the Park’s relationship with the Ottawa River by providing universal accessibility, enhanced views, compelling interpretation, a diverse plant palette, and a pedestrian bridge to connect to Major’s Hill Park and beyond.

Work in Progress

Kìwekì Point Park is currently under construction and new park elements are beginning to take shape! In 2023, construction started off on the Whispering Point pavilion at the western tip of the site, where 147 Alaskan Yellow Cedar wooden fins were installed to form a dynamic enclosure that provides shelter and an exciting destination. In the autumn, focus shifted to the new Pìdàban Bridge (Algonquin for “dawn”), where the two Y columns and seven girder segments were craned in place to create a new pedestrian and cycling connection between Kìwekì Point Park and Major’s Hill Park — linking a substantial stretch of Ottawa’s riverfront.

The year ended with the installation of seven Corten steel creatures, placed around the park’s perimeter. The list of creatures, as well as their designs and descriptions, was crafted in collaboration with two local indigenous groups, the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Along with the reunion and reinterpretation of the Samuel de Champlain and Kichi Zibi Innini sculptures, these creatures will form the interpretive experience of the park, which celebrates the Ottawa River and the creatures that call the waterway home.

The following construction images show the progress on site from 2021 to 2023. Construction continues on site with the park targeted to open to the public in early Summer 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.

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