Residents react to NCC plan for George-Étienne park and Mile Circle
About 60 area residents attended an information session hosted by the National Capital Commission (NCC) about a plan to “enhance access” to public spaces along the Ottawa River. The plan includes the area known as Mile Circle.
A 13-kilometre stretch of park area along the Ottawa River has been identified as falling within the scope of the plan. This area includes New Edinburgh boathouse as well as land near the Aviation Museum and Mile Circle.
According to a summary on the NCC website, the purpose of the plan is to “enhance access to the [Ottawa] river and animate key public spaces within the park”.
The plan documentation is mainly a catalogue of suggestions and priorities identified by stakeholders and those who participated in past consultations. A map on the project’s PlaceSpeak webpage suggests a “medium-scale” cultural facility could be built at Mile Circle.
‘Fabulous resource’
Peter Everett grew up in Manor Park and says he’s been an avid user of neighbourhood parks and green space, including Mile Circle, since he was a child.
He and his wife use the area Mile Circle “frequently.” He attended the open house to learn more about the NCC’s proposed plan for the whole area, which extends from Rideau Hall to Orléans.
They appreciated the chance to ask questions of staff and leave his written comments. However, he says the people he spoke to were unaware of the “status quo” of the area. People use it for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking. Furthermore, he says they also didn’t seem to know about the food market operating at Gaspé Ave.
“They seemed unaware of the current usage of those areas by the public now, unfettered by NCC regulations,” says Peter.
“I don’t see the need for any further development. What is there serves the needs of people very well . . . It’s a fabulous resource the way it is.”
Peter adds he has concerns that any development or attempt to improve access might harm the area’s ecological integrity.
“It’s too precious.”
According to the NCC website, public consultations about the plan will continue this fall and into next year. A draft plan will be proposed in spring 2024.