The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Board of Directors today approved the developed design for Tesasini Park, the second of three parks to be built on the shores of the Ottawa River as part of the Zibi development. Algonquin partners have been involved in this development from the outset, contributing to the park’s unique design, including the selection of native plant species and the naming of the park.

Located on the north bank of the Ottawa River between the Chaudières Bridge and Portage Bridge, Tesasini — meaning flat rock in Algonquin — will feature exposed bedrock shelves and an armoured ground plane to provide a flood-resilient landscape. Mature trees will be preserved on-site where possible.

Scheduled to open in 2022, this park will offer only informal access when the water levels are low and includes a universally accessible pathway above the 100-year flood plain, with two lookout rest stops, which will be accessible year-round. A belt of new native plantings will be installed north of the pathway, providing a green buffer between the Zibi development and the shoreline.

The Tesasini Park project is part of a larger collaborative agreement between the NCC and Zibi, which requires the building of several public benefit elements, such as increasing the shoreline experience, developing pathways to improve connectivity and building two other nearby parks. Once this infrastructure is built by Zibi, it will be owned and maintained by the NCC in perpetuity.

These efforts on the historic Ottawa River are part of the NCC’s overall goal to revitalize and enhance public access and connections to the islands and shorelines, and to make these places a destination of significance for residents and visitors in the National Capital Region.

QUICK FACTS

• The collaboration between the NCC and Zibi will also see the development of Mòkaham Park (meaning sunrise in Algonquin) located on the east side of Chaudières Island.
• These projects will require shoreline reinforcement work prior to development.
• The construction of Tesasini Park will begin in 2021.

QUOTES

« Tesasini Park is the second of three unique waterfront destinations for residents and tourists to appreciate views of Capital landmarks as part of the Zibi development. The NCC is proud to partner with Zibi, Algonquin partners, Energy Ottawa, the City of Ottawa and Ville de Gatineau on the design of this new public gateway on the Ottawa River. »

– Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission

« It has always been a key goal of the Zibi project to restore access to the shoreline in downtown Gatineau. We are proud to have worked with our Algonquin partners to design this beautiful park that is sure to become a destination for visitors and Zibi residents looking to connect with the water and take in the beauty of the national capital’s sights and landmarks right across the Ottawa River. »

– Jeff Westeinde, président, Zibi