NCC ‘Summer Zone’ returning for 2nd year at newly installed Dows Lake dock

The new NCC recreational dock at Dows Lake. (Peter Szperling/CTV News Ottawa)

The National Capital Commission’s “Summer Zone” will return this year with a change in location.

 A floating dock that was installed earlier this month along the shoreline of Dows Lake across from Commissioner’s Park will become home to the attraction this year.

“We expect to have lawn games, as well as food and beverage offerings near the dock’s location, across from Commissioner’s Park, beginning in June,” a spokesperson for the NCC said in an email to CTV News.

“For this year, taking into consideration construction impacts on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, and the installation of the recreational dock, we decided to try out a new format and location.”

The Summer Zone was launched last year between Catherine Street and Somerset Street West on Queen Elizabeth Drive to celebrate the organization’s 125th anniversary.

The NCC says it proved to be “very popular with residents and visitors,” with more than 80,000 visits last year. The first edition featured sports, outdoor games, art classes and showcases, food and drink and live music.

A new recreational dock opened earlier this month near Lakeside Avenue with Muskoka chairs and bike racks available. The NCC says the dock will be used for launching kayaks and paddleboards, but has said it may open for swimming later this summer.

“The NCC is continuing to enhance the Dow’s Lake shoreline with new amenities and activities, and these additions will help create a vibrant and welcoming waterfront experience,” the organization said.

Weekend Bike Days are returning this year but without 24-hour use on the QED. The road will be open for active use between Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last year, a section of the Driveway was reserved for active users 24 hours a day in July and August.

The Kichi Zībī Mīkan and the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway will also have certain sections open for active use on weekends and holidays.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Ted Raymond and Josh Pringle