River House
A Renewed Connection to Water
River House — where you can discover, connect with, and learn about the Ottawa River — is an iconic heritage boathouse located at 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway in Ottawa, and has been newly-transformed into a publicly-accessible destination in the heart of Canada’s National Capital Region.
Why River House?
At River House, Ottawa Riverkeeper is embarking on a new chapter for the river, the community, and the whole watershed. Ottawa Riverkeeper is a trusted community advocate, educator, and convener that ensures we can safely swim, drink, and fish now and for generations to come.
River House will help to elevate and amplify Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work and our ability to address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing our watershed, including:
FRESHWATER PROTECTION
BIODIVERSITY LOSS
CLIMATE CHANGE
Why now?
The pandemic has reminded us just how important it is for all Canadians to have access to healthy rivers, lakes, and coastlines, for both our physical and mental health.
“A river is the report card for its watershed.”
- Alan Levere, Connecticut Department for Environmental Protection
The work of Ottawa Riverkeeper — independent, expert, and non-partisan — must be elevated and amplified now. This decade is critical.
What is River House?
River House, following a $15M+ renovation by the National Capital Commission, will be a new, publicly-accessible destination on unceded, unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabeg territory in the heart of Canada’s National Capital Region. Ottawa Riverkeeper will transform it into a destination where community members can engage, discover, and connect with the Ottawa River and its watershed. It will be a fantastic place to swim, row, paddle, sail, and host meetings and events while taking in the breathtakingly beautiful view.
River House will be a hub for collaboration — a place to share, teach, and connect as well as a catalyst for restoration, reconciliation, envisioning our relationship with water and with one another, and stewardship projects.
River House will elevate and amplify Ottawa Riverkeeper’s work by:
- Deepening our Science and Advocacy programs
- Scaling up our Education programs
- Strengthening and growing partnerships with Algonquin communities
- Engaging new audiences (i.e., donors, participants, volunteers)
- Connecting diverse communities to the watershed
- Celebrating the watershed through public programs, interpretive displays, and events
SCIENCE
A professional science lab for freshwater monitoring, testing, research, and use as an educational resource.
EDUCATION
Interpretation about freshwater ecosystems, scientific monitoring, history and culture of the watershed. Community days, school group visits, special events, displays.
CONVENING
A collaboration hub to bring stakeholders together on key issues, challenges & opportunities. PLUS public access to the river!
“Canadians are stewards of one-fifth of the world's fresh water.”
Come visit River House!
River House is now open to the public! The NCC launched swimming at the site and held a grand opening on July 25th, 2023. The site is now open from 7 am to 7 pm, seven days a week during the summer.
We are currently in the quiet phase of a major fundraising campaign to set River House on course for success. For those interested in making a leadership gift to support these efforts, please contact us.
If you are interested in booking a room at River House for an event, our third-floor boardroom is now available for rent. To find out more or inquire about a date, please consult our FAQs and inquiry form here.
Meet the River House Campaign Cabinet
A dedicated campaign cabinet has been formed to bring Ottawa Riverkeeper’s vision for River House to life. The members of the cabinet are:
Colleen Westeinde (Co-Chair)
Geoff Green (Co-Chair)
Jeff Parkes
Velma McColl
Kimberly Biggs
Linda Dwyer-Commando
Mathieu Fleury
Stéphane Poirier Defoy
Ottawa Riverkeeper's spaces at River House are supported by:
