Should Dow's Lake Get a New Floating Dock for Kayaks and Canoes?

Official title: Dow's Lake Recreational Dock Pilot Project

Closed Community Planning Environment & Climate Housing & Communities Transportation
The National Capital Commission wants to install a floating dock at Dow's Lake in Ottawa for the summer of 2025. Public engagement sessions showed strong demand for better water access on the Rideau Canal. The dock would be universally accessible and installed seasonally from May to October.

Why This Matters

Love kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding? This dock would make it easier to get on the water at Dow's Lake. Right now, access points are limited. The design aims to be fully accessible for people with disabilities too.

What Could Change

If the pilot succeeds, a permanent seasonal dock could be installed at Dow's Lake each summer. Construction would start in March 2025, with the dock open from May to October. New bike racks and native plants would also be added to the shoreline.

Key Issues

  • Should a floating dock be installed at Dow's Lake as a pilot project?
  • What are the potential environmental impacts on the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site?
  • Is the proposed design appropriate for universal accessibility?

Indigenous Consultation

This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.