Turning pavement to parkland in Kitchissippi ward

For Immediate Release

Turning pavement to parkland in Kitchissippi Ward

Depave event happening October 5^th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ottawa, September 27, 2019. Join the Kitchissippi community on Saturday October 5^th as they remove a city block of asphalt. This depaving project is partially done by hand as this creates a deep connection to the space and highlights the human impact on our environment.  It is believed to be Ottawa’s first street to be depaved.

The new green space will expand Champlain Park and connect it with the nearby National Capital Commission parkway lands as well as the Sir John A. Macdonald Winter Trail.

"The Champlain Park Community Association has hoped for some time now to merge the park with the Champlain Woods. Creating this seamless extension not only will enhance the beauty of the spaces, but invite everyone to use them. We also want to facilitate the connection between the SJAM trail and Champlain Park." Adrian Bradley, Champlain Park Community Association.

"The Ottawa River is fundamental to defining us as a city.   The more we remove the barriers for people to access the river, the better we are as a city. Think of the Pontiac Street river access project as our window to the river." Dave Adams, Sir John A. MacDonald Cross Country Ski Trail Maintenance Club.

This community-led initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Champlain Park Community Association, Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper, the City of Ottawa, the Sir John A. MacDonald Cross Country Ski Trail Maintenance Club, EnviroCentre and Green Communities Canda. It is being made possible through cash-in-lieu funds from Councillor Jeff Leiper’s office and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

“I have been pleased to provide my support and help achieve this community initiative since the Champlain Park Community Association brought this idea forward to me in 2016. I am delighted to see the removal of asphalt, increase of green space in Champlain Park and connectivity between the park and the Champlain Woods.” Jeff Leiper, Councillor Kitchissippi Ward.

Depaving, a win-win for the community and the environment

Depaving has many benefits, both for the community and for the environment.   Green spaces help restore the natural water cycle, capture storm water and create habitats for native birds, pollinators, and animals.

People who come together and volunteer their time to transform their local community feel empowered and have a greater sense of stewardship towards their neighbourhood.

Event Details

Pontiac Street between Carleton Ave and Cowley Ave

Depaving: Saturday, October 5^th 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Activities: Approximately 100m² of asphalt will be removed by hand and replaced with grass.

Volunteers who wish to attend the depaving event are welcome – equipment and safety gear will be provided.

Members of the media are also welcome!

For information on the project please visit:

Pontiac Depave Facebook Event

Depave Paradise

For information regarding the event:

Mandy Wilson, mandy.wilson@envirocentre.ca, 613-656-0100 ext. 129

For communications:

Mandy Wilson, mandy.wilson@envirocentre.ca, 613-656-0100 ext. 129

Fiona Mitchell, Fiona.mitchell@ottawa.ca, 613-580-2424 ext. 15823