NCC River House: Bringing People Back To The Water

AFTER FOUR YEARS of repairs and upgrades, the NCC River House officially reopened at the end of July. The new and improved site is now universally accessible and usable year-round. It also provides access to a public dock, food and beverage services, and rental space. The NCC River House is a remarkable structure situated on the scenic shores of the Ottawa River. Located just steps away from the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway, it has served as a mainstay for canoeing, boating and aquatic enthusiasts for nearly a century.

Renovating a century-old building

Originally designed by architect C.P. Meredith to house the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC), the NCC River House was designated a Federal Heritage Building in 2010, due to its timeless architectural value, important links to the history of canoeing in Canada and remarkable setting along the Ottawa River. Sadly, time, the elements, and many decades of wear and tear took their toll on the structural integrity of the site.

Recognizing the incredible potential to provide more public access to the shoreline, the NCC launched the River House Revitalization Project in 2019 to incorporate modern amenities and universal accessibility features to the site, while holding true to the unique heritage character of the building. .

Over the course of four years, a dedicated team of NCC engineers, architects, heritage and landscape specialists worked diligently to preserve the heritage character of the pavilion and allow for fourseason use of the two upper levels of the site.

Upgrades and improvements

Universal accessibility improvements that maintained the essence of the building’s heritage character, use and function were also introduced, including converting an existing parking lot into universally accessible parking; creating a universally accessible path from the parkway to the pedestrian bridge landing; and installing an elevator to allow ease of access to the three levels of the building.

A new, prefabricated bridge made of Corten steel, compatible with the nautical and transportation style of the boathouse facility, was also installed at the bridge’s historic level. The new footbridge now has a longer span to reach the escarpment; an accessible pathway leads from the new raised bridge landing to the street level.

In addition to the structural upgrades, the shoreline was transformed to offer ease of access to the Ottawa River. The new landscape design improves upon the shoreline resiliency of the site and includes traffic and parking management for the site. With the installation of a universally accessible public dock, visitors now have seamless access to the shoreline and swimming area along the Ottawa River.

Animating the shoreline

Together, with ONEC and Ottawa RiverKeeper, the NCC remains committed to drawing people back to the water. It is part of our vision of making the NCC River House a truly public gathering place by animating the shoreline with a public wharf, incorporating lively venues and ultimately, enhancing the recreational experience along the waterway.

The NCC welcomes the opportunity to work with new suppliers and contractors. If you are interested in offering your services, please visit ncc-ccn.gc.ca.