A historical site along the Ottawa River has reopened to the public after being damaged by fire many years ago, providing a unique vantage point of the city skyline and the Chief William Commanda Bridge. Following a two-year restoration effort, the city has stabilized the remains of the Hintonburg Pumping Station, now transformed into a riverside park area.
This marks the first time in decades that the public can visit the heritage-designated location since it was ravaged by fire in 1989. Situated at 5 Onigam St., the site is positioned on a peninsula that leads to the bridge connecting to the Lemieux Island water treatment plant.
Originally constructed in 1899, the Pumping Station initially catered to Hintonburg residents and later served Ottawa before being repurposed as a residence and gatehouse for the new Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant in 1932. Recognized for its 19th-century municipal architecture, the building was designated as a heritage property in 1987, boasting a unique design featuring cut limestone, a gabled roof, and an open verandah.
Despite being destroyed by fire just two years later, the site was left abandoned until 2023 when a conservation plan was approved by the council. Following thorough public consultations, environmental assessments, and archaeological surveys, restoration work commenced the previous summer.
The ruins have now been stabilized, with the addition of decking and railings allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River. The area has been further enhanced with landscaping and picnic tables to create a picturesque park setting. The city highlighted the site’s exceptional views of the Ottawa River and city skyline, along with its rich ecological diversity, attracting various wildlife to the area.
Accessible year-round via Kichi Zībī Mikan, the Hintonburg Pumping Station invites visitors to explore its historic remnants and enjoy the scenic beauty it now offers to the public.