Lansdowne Revitalization

In June 2010, Ottawa City Council approved the revitalization of Lansdowne Park. This revitalization project will include three major components – the creation of a large Urban Park, the refurbishment of the existing stadium and Civic Centre, and the construction of a mixed-use area to include retail space, offices and residences.

Ottawa City Council also committed to integrating Algonquin history, culture and arts into the Lansdowne Revitalization Project through specific Algonquin interpretive elements including way-finding based on the four colours, an Ethno-Botanical garden, a Teaching Circle, plantings of Trees of Significance to Algonquin Culture and Algonquin Art Commissions.

One of the first interpretive elements will be interlocking stone pavers patterned after typical Algonquin basketry and representative of Algonquin food vessels. These stone pavers will be found within Aberdeen Square, the large public plaza at the heart of Lansdowne Park and home to the Ottawa Farmer’s Market. This interpretive element is inspired by the care and respect paid to food by Algonquins. The installation of this feature began in November 2013.

A feature planting of Seven Trees of Significance to Algonquins will surround the Teaching Circle. These trees will be identified by botanical markers, or highlighted by an interpretive panel identifying and describing their significance to Algonquin culture.

The Ethno-Botanical Garden will feature significant plant species to Algonquins. These plants may be of ceremonial, medicinal or practical use and will be featured in the Civic Demonstration Gardens.

The Teaching Circle will be a special location for visitors to connect with Algonquin culture. Lansdowne’s history is rich with examples of teaching and exhibition, and the Teaching Circle will allow for an interface between the Park’s history and that of the Algonquins.

The integration of these interpretive elements throughout the Park will enhance the cultural experience of visitors by showcasing features that reflect Algonquin history, culture and art.

To learn more about each of these interpretive elements, a copy of the Lansdowne Revitalization and Algonquin Interpretation Consultation Package is available here.