Bulletins

June 23 2020 – Masonry rehabilitation work has now resumed at the Wellington Stairs off Wellington St. at the Ottawa Locks. The stairs were first closed for work in February to begin a rehabilitation project that would include the replacement and re-facing of concrete, the installation of improved drainage, and the rehabilitation of some masonry.

Notwithstanding the best efforts of all concerned to reduce negative impacts of COVID-19 on our ongoing infrastructure projects along the Rideau Canal, this project experienced delays due to concerns for the onsite safety of key workforce. Parks Canada maintains oversight on all infrastructure projects and has worked closely with our colleagues at Public Service and Procurement Canada, as well as our partners in industry, to reduce negative impacts to construction as much as possible.

What to Expect

• The work is scheduled to be completed in mid-late August.
  
  
• Access to the south lawns at the Ottawa Lockstation and the Bytown Museum, can be gained via accessible paths at the National Arts Centre, as well as via Sapper’s Staircase (also known as Valiant’s Stairs), an historic landmark that is seasonally available within the intersection of Wellington St. and Elgin St. Please obey all posted signage.  

The health and safety of Canadians, visitors, and Parks Canada team members is of the utmost importance to the Agency. We will continue to communicate any developments in project status or schedule that impact the public. To send us an e-mail about this or other work, or our operations on the Rideau Canal, please contact us at info-rideau@pc.gc.ca.

UPDATE ON COVID -19

Parks Canada is following advice from public health experts and implementing measures to support Canada’s efforts to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and reduce the risks to Canadians, visitors, Parks Canada team members, and contractors working at our places.

• Starting June 1, 2020, Parks Canada began the process of gradually resuming some operations at certain national parks, national historic sites, historic waterways, and national marine conservation areas. Opening dates, visitor access and services will vary across the country. Parks Canada has only opened places where measures can be implemented to minimize health and safety risks to employees and visitors. Canadians are encouraged to visit parkscanada.gc.ca frequently for information and updates.
  
  
• The majority of Parks Canada’s construction projects are considered part of the Agency’s critical services to the public. Scheduled construction activities are proceeding as planned, but are subject to change due to the evolving situation related to COVID-19. Parks Canada will continue to communicate all developments to the public.