By Maria Gomez Umana
This summer, there will be some exciting views for ByWard Market neighbours. Major construction and renovations undertaken by National Capital Commission (NCC) surrounding the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) are nearing completion, promising fantastic results for both neighbours and visitors.
Kìwekì Point
Formerly known as Nepean Point, Kìwekì Point means “returning to one’s homeland” in Anishinaabemowin and it has been an ongoing project since 2014 with a cost of $45 million. The construction is almost complete, offering one of the most spectacular unobstructed views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Quebec shoreline including the Museum of History. Visitors will also have access to the architectural shelter named Whispering Point with deep sitting nooks to experience the vitality of the river.
Pidàban Bridge
The NCC is finishing the construction of Pidàban Bridge, which means “dawn,” also in Anishinaabemowin. This new pedestrian bridge will connect Major’s Hill Park, Kìwekì Point and the NGC, offering stunning views of the Ottawa River and the Quebec shoreline.
Outdoor sculptures and park access
Kìwekì Point will reopen with outdoor sculptures, maintaining its informal character. Artworks include Black Nest and Water Planet by Bill Vazan, One Hundred Foot Line by Roxy Paine, Nature Will Reclaim You by Nicholas Galanin, Majestic by Michael De Broin, and the Op Art Path by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. No bathrooms were added to the project because there is a public bathroom on Major’s Hill Park.
Visitors can enter Kìwekì Point in three ways:
- Walking from Sussex Drive through the path along the Sunken Garden which hosts the Tavern in the Gallery, then zigzagging up the Op Art path.
- Walking on the sidewalk on Sussex Drive that leads to Alexandra Bridge and entering the park behind the NGC.
- Walking along the new Pidàban pedestrian bridge from Major’s Hill Park.
Mature oak and maple trees are being planted along the park, and it will feature ha-ha borders — a trench with cultivated gardens in the style of formal 18th-century European gardens.
Return of the Running Horses sculpture
Joe Fafard’s beloved metal sculpture Running Horses will be back on display in front of the NGC along Sussex Drive. Initially installed in 2008 and removed in 2019 for conservation work, Running Horses celebrates prairie life in Canada.
These updates will enhance the experience for everyone visiting the area surrounding the National Gallery of Canada.
Joe Fafard sitting in front of his Running Horses in 2008
(Photo: National Gallery of Canada)