Posted: September 19, 2025
Ottawa Riverkeeper celebrates new museum-style exhibits that bring the Ottawa River to life
Ottawa Riverkeeper has officially celebrated the installation of museum-style exhibits to connect the public to the Ottawa River in new ways, thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Ottawa, ON – On Friday, local MPP Lucille Collard joined Ottawa Riverkeeper as they unveiled museum-style exhibits that bring the Ottawa River to life in its Learning Lab at the NCC River House. The installation of these new interactive and engaging displays and activities was made possible through a $175,000 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
“The Ottawa River is a defining part of our region’s natural and cultural identity, and I’m proud to see provincial funding bringing its story to life through these dynamic new exhibits. By connecting people of all ages to the river’s rich history, diverse ecology, and collective future, Ottawa Riverkeeper is cultivating a strong sense of stewardship and community,” said Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa—Vanier. “This initiative is a wonderful example of how public investment can foster environmental education, raise awareness, and create meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire and empower future generations.”
A major step forward in public engagement with the Ottawa River, these new exhibits turn the Learning Lab into a hub for discovery at one of Ottawa’s most popular waterfront destinations. Visitors can trace the river’s vast reach on a large watershed map, learn about the geography and health of the watershed, and see the threats facing its ecosystems. Nearby, Ottawa Riverkeeper’s working science lab allows visitors to peek into real-time water quality analysis and other monitoring efforts.
Special activity tables dive into topics such as recreational water quality, benthic invertebrates, and the charismatic river otters that make their home here. The displays also showcase the traditional birch bark canoe, built by youth from the Assembly of Seven Generations under the guidance of knowledge holder Pinock Smith from Kitigan Zibi, including a video showing the construction process, and information about the project.
Creating an engaging public space for visitors of all ages to learn about and connect with the river has been a dream of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s for many years and would not have been possible without the support from generous donors to the Big River Give, our $5 million campaign, and the largest fundraising campaign in Ottawa Riverkeeper history.
Ottawa Riverkeeper, a charitable organization, is a champion for the Ottawa River watershed, providing leadership and inspiration to protect, promote and improve its ecological health and future. Expert and independent, our organization advocates for responsible and participatory decision-making, public education, access to information, and compliance with protective regulations. Guided by a science-based approach, we provide clear information with the aim to engage the public and empower citizens and decision-makers to ensure clean, healthy, and accessible water for all people and species.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Matthew Brocklehurst, Communications Manager
Ottawa Riverkeeper
613-321-1120 ext. 1001
mbrocklehurst@ottawariverkeeper.ca
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