The 5th annual Open NCC took place on Saturday, allowing exclusive access to some of the national capital’s most important projects and places. Visitors got a chance to learn and see the activities of the National Capital Commission at its properties across the city, including Kìwekì Point, the East Wharf Recreational Dock, Sussex Courtyards, the 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument and the NCC River House. “An opportunity to invite the public a little bit behind the scenes to see all of the wonderful NCC assets in the national capital region, to meet our staff, to learn about all of the interesting facts that may not be well known about those assets,” said Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the NCC. Nearly a dozen sites across Ottawa and Gatineau offered free guided walking and biking tours. A boat cruise was also available. Many events were centred at Confederation Park, which serves as the main hub for the walking and biking tours. Various kiosks and activities educating the public about NCC projects were available on topics such as archaeology and Greenbelt renewal. “Part of living in a city is knowing about its history and its interesting points. I try to go to as many of these tours as I can and that way I can appreciate the city more,” said Ann Waters, who was attending a walking tour of Kìwekì Point. The monument commemorating the LGBTQ+ community, called Thunderhead, opened in late August close to the Ottawa River. It honours the victims of Canada’s purge against LGBTQ+ people and others in the community who have been marginalized for who they are. “It’s an important, feature of this area now and it represents a really important, dark part of the past in Canada that I think is really, really important, that people learn about,” said Gabe Hoogers, attending the monument’s tour. “It was amazing to be able to come here and learn about it from one of the sources, the principal architect on the project.” An after-dark bike ride will take place until 10 p.m. starting at Confederation Park, covering a stretch along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By drive. Riders are encouraged to dress up with lights, sparkles and costumes. The all-ages event concludes with live music and refreshments.
