Trans Canada Trailhead

Client

City of Ottawa

Location

Stittsville, Ottawa

Completion

2020

The revitalization of Stittsville’s Trans Canada Trailhead captures the historical significance and character of the neighbourhood. The western entrance to the trail off Main Street is a community gathering space and gateway along the iconic greenway and Trans Canada trail network.

Utilizing and repurposing salvaged railway items helped to meet the community’s desire to pay homage to the extensive railway history of Stittsville. The local Smiths Falls Museum of Eastern Ontario helped to salvage former National Capital Region train items such as switch stands, posts, and lanterns. Incorporating the train elements and salvaged artifacts allows visitors to interact with the elements –such as switch stands functioning as bicycle racks – thus the artifacts become repurposed instead of displayed like in a museum. Additionally, the park is constructed using natural materials, native plants, and recycled stone. As a wayfinding element, two physical sets of tracks set in the concrete paving of the plaza reflect the twin lines that historically ran through the site. Custom wood benches perpendicular to the rail lines mimic traditional wood rail ties, while providing functional seating to the plaza. The strategic location of the benches also serves to prevent vehicular traffic within the plaza.