Canada Lands Company opens Ottawa’s two newest parks at Wateridge Village
OTTAWA — Canada Lands Company officially opened the first two parks at its Wateridge Village residential development today, a major milestone for the sustainable new community that will eventually be home to approximately 10,000 residents just minutes from downtown Ottawa. The grand opening ceremonies featured remarks from the Algonquins of Ontario, Canada Lands Company, local Councillor Tobi Nussbaum, Mayor Jim Watson and Ottawa-Vanier Member of Parliament Mona Fortier among several other guests.
The smaller of the two new parks commemorates Wing Officer Willa Walker, a pioneer among women in the Armed Forces during World War II. Mrs Walker was a commanding officer of the 17,000-member Women’s Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and in charge of the Manning Depot at Rockcliffe.
In an incredible story of Canadian ingenuity, Walker and her husband – a Captain serving overseas -- also developed a code system which allowed them to communicate and share maps through Red Cross packages while he was held captive by enemy forces.
Members of the Walker family were on hand to personally cut the ribbon on Willa Walker Park.
“The new parks in Wateridge Village are an important addition to this residential development on the former Rockcliffe Air Base, the single largest development within the Greenbelt since amalgamation”, said Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa.
“The new greenspace will serve as a recreation area for children and their families, and will be enjoyed by the community for generations to come”.
The second, larger park is named Alliance Park, which features design and landscaping that commemorates Canada 150. The name Alliance Park represents a celebration of the myriad relationships that make up the vision of Wateridge Village. Canada Lands Company has facilitated wide collaboration towards the design of Wateridge Village and its commemorative elements, which reflect the site’s connections to the Algonquins of Ontario, the military, the Francophone community and incredible natural features.
“Our projects speak to the importance of providing a lasting legacy in each community where we have a presence” said John McBain, President and CEO of Canada Lands Company.
“Alliance Park is a great example of Canada Lands’ commitment to public green space as a defining pillar of this development. These new parks are just the first of many to be established here at Wateridge Village”.
The two new parks, which are accessible via Codd’s Road, are now open to the public and feature exciting new amenities for the community, including: a splash pad, gathering space with seating, play structures and recreational spaces.
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Wateridge Village
This 310-acre sustainable new community minutes from downtown Ottawa will eventually be home to approximately 10,000 people. Wateridge Village, overlooking the Ottawa River, will honour the rich history of the Algonquins of Ontario and the site’s military legacy. The community will be home to design-forward residences, retail and office space, unparalleled amenities, beautiful parks and trails.
About Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation whose sole shareholder is the Government of Canada. Its role is to optimize the economic and community value obtained from former government properties. It is also a demonstrated leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower in Toronto and the Montréal Science Centre.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Manon Lapensée
Director, Corporate Communications, Canada Lands Company
416-214-1198