No criminal charges after school bus damages Kiweki Point in Ottawa, police say

An image of Kìwekì Point, which was damaged by a school bus that illegally drove on the path of the lookout. Dec. 27, 2025. (Maddison de Varennes/CTV News Ottawa)

No criminal charges will be laid after a school bus caused significant damage to Kiweki Point, according to the Ottawa Police Service.

The National Capital Commission says damage was discovered on Whispering Point, which overlooks the Ottawa River from Ottawa, on Dec. 3.

“We were in contact with the police and have shared surveillance camera footage with them that shows a school bus illegally driving on the Kiweki Point pathway,” the NCC said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa on Saturday, calling the damage “significant.”

“We are in touch with the Kiweki Point designer and fabricator teams in order to repair the structure as soon as we can.”

An Ottawa police spokesperson said on Tuesday the Ottawa Police Service is aware of the incident.

“Following the investigation, there are no criminal charges pending,” police said.

CTV News Ottawa followed up to ask if any traffic tickets were issued but did not receive a response.

Kiweki Point, formerly known as Nepean Point, overlooks the Ottawa River and is located between the National Gallery of Canada and the Alexandra Bridge.

The NCC opened Kiweki Point to the public in May after a $45 million rehabilitation project, which included a new pedestrian bridge and the architectural shelter named Whispering Point.

“As you follow the River Walk Esplanade to the end, the land rises to reveal Whispering Point, embedded into the landscape,” the NCC said.

“Located strategically at the most prominent part of the site, Whispering Point is an architectural shelter with deep-seated nooks that frame incredible views of the river. Inside these nooks, the river is the focal point, commanding respect and attention.”

The NCC says it is seeking “full monetary compensation” for the damage caused by the school bus.

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Adam Beauchemin