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48-515: The bridge passes through the E.B. Eddy Company complex adjacent to the Chaudière Falls , from which the bridge gets its name. The Chaudière Bridge's earliest predecessor, the 8 span "Union Bridge" was completed under Colonel By 's direction in September 1828; the first bridge to link the two young towns. (Its first span, completed January 11, 1827, had been their second attempt at that site, for

96-444: A Federal Heritage Building. Industrial use of the island contaminated the land, resulting in the current clean up operation. Soil samples taken in 2017 revealed that the island's soil, groundwater, and surface water were contaminated with ashes, lead, zinc, and fuel oil . The National Capital Commission acquired most of the island in the 1960s and the remainder from Public Services and Procurement Canada in 2018. The island has

144-479: A burial site. The island was named for Queen Victoria and, beginning in the 19th century, became the location of residences, commerce, and mixed industry, including a sawmill, ironwork, and manufacturing companies. The Wilson Carbide Mill, a four storey stone building named for Thomas Willson , the inventor of the process to produce calcium carbide and acetylene gas, was built on the island in 1900 to manufacture calcium carbide. It has since been recognized as

192-530: A dam. Generating Station 2 was built in 1891 and is leased from the National Capital Commission. Generating Station No. 4 was built in 1900 and is operated on land owned by the Government of Canada. The combined output is around 110 GWh per year [values not credible]. The stations were refurbished in the 2000s, including a small capacity increase in 2007. Hydro Ottawa purchased the site around

240-508: A large kettle, better known to today's English speakers as a cauldron . William S. Hunter Jr. suggested a different origin for the name in 1855: "The Word Chaudiere is the literal translation into French of the Indian word Kanajo (The Kettle), and is . . . vastly suggestive, for the chasm into which the waters of the Ottawa ( Ottawa River ) discharge themselves is not unlike a kettle in shape, while

288-492: A long history of Indigenous protests. In 1974, a group of protesters known as "The Native People's Caravan" occupied the Carbide Mill, while in 1995 Aboriginal Defence League protesters broke into the mill and set up an "Aboriginal Embassy". In 1988, Algonquins of Barriere Lake set up tents on the island to protest "the ravaging of their land by the federal and Quebec governments". They returned in 1990, partly in solidarity of

336-603: A wood-pole-fence enclosed area. In 2012, it was selected as the site of Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence 's protest, due to its proximity to Parliament Hill and its significance to Aboriginal peoples. Inspired by Algonquin chief and elder William Commanda's vision for Asinabka (the traditional Algonquin Anishinabe name Commanda held for the site), and of a Circle of All Nations and the 8th Fire Prophecy, world-renowned architect Douglas Cardinal has designed plans for an aboriginal healing and international peacekeeping centre on

384-546: Is 4 million cubic metres (140 million cubic feet). The station was originally built in 1912-1913 for the Gatineau Power Company by William Kennedy Jr. but did not begin operating until 1920, following World War I , when it had two turbines in operation. A third turbine was added in 1923. In 1965, Gatineau Power was sold to Hydro-Québec, which added a fourth turbine in 1968. Hydro Ottawa operates two run-of-the-river hydroelectric generating stations without

432-497: Is a 34 acres (14 ha) mixed-use development started by Windmill Development Group, later joined by a larger development company, DREAM Unlimited Corporation, and then spun off from Windmill with a new company named Theia Partners, that includes residential, commercial, retail, office and hotel spaces, being built on the northern riverbank in Gatineau, and on Chaudiere and Albert Islands in Ottawa. The 15-year redevelopment will repurpose

480-552: Is an island in the Ottawa River , located north of LeBreton Flats , 1 km west of Parliament Hill in Ottawa , Ontario . The island is "a place of special significance" to the local Algonquian peoples , who use the island for ceremonial purposes and for protests. It is part of an archipelago of islands below Chaudière Falls , which also includes the former Philemon Island , Chaudière Island, Amelia Island and Albert Island. Both

528-529: Is especially true in the summer when the Ottawa River is low, and the falls all but disappear because the water is diverted to power stations owned and operated by Portage Power, an affiliate of Hydro Ottawa . Inaccessible for generations, the Falls and hydro facilities are now publicly accessible since the opening of Chaudiere Falls park in 2017, designed by architect Douglas Cardinal . Other properties adjacent to

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576-738: Is just west of the Chaudière Bridge and Booth-Eddy streets corridor, northwest of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats and adjacent to the historic industrial E. B. Eddy complex. The islands surrounding the Chaudière Falls, counter-clockwise, are Chaudière Island (immediately to the South & East of the falls), Albert Island (to the South), little Coffin Island was just south of Albert Island but

624-630: Is now submerged, Victoria Island and Amelia Island, (which was separated from Victoria Island in 1836 by Government timber slide; now fused to Victoria Island), Philemon Island (to the North) was originally called the Peninsular Village by the Wrights but became an island when the timber slide was built in 1829 (some maps identify it as Wright Island, but that is incorrect) it is now fused to south shore of City of Gatineau, and Russell Island, now submerged,

672-537: The Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats . The island is accessible via the Chaudière Bridge , which connects Ottawa's Booth Street to Rue Eddy in Gatineau; the Portage Bridge connecting the two cities passes over. The island had been used by First Nations people for centuries, who named the area Asinabka (Place of Glare Rock). According to archaeological evidence, this site was the centre of convergence for trade and spiritual and cultural exchange. Its position—at

720-510: The Portage Bridge and Chaudière Bridge cross the island, connecting Ottawa to Gatineau , Quebec on the other side of the river. Otherwise, public access to the island is currently restricted due to an environmental remediation project set to be completed in 2025. The project is projected to cost $ 13 million. Indigenous people inhabited the area up to 9,000 years ago, using the island to portage and for trade. The nearby Chaudière Falls were used for ceremonial purposes, meetings, and as

768-539: The Bronson Company Office, No. 4 Generating Station, the Wilson Carbide Mill and Ottawa Hydro Generating Station #2. On October 3, 2018, the National Capital Commission (NCC) announced that it would be closing down all access to the island, including its businesses, for remediation work from December 2018 to Spring 2020. A second remediation phase is proposed to be undertaken between 2020 and 2025. Zibi

816-575: The City of Ottawa's official plan (section 5.6). In April 2017, two more communities signed Letters of Intent with the development, Long Point First Nation and Timiskaming First Nation. These communities are working with the developers towards tangible benefits such as long-term employment and job training, investment opportunities, residential and commercial ownership, public art, and tangible recognition of Algonquin Anishinabe traditional territory. According to Windmill, they have made efforts since 2013 to change

864-406: The Falls are slated for development by public and private interests, including an Indigenous welcome centre on Victoria Island, led by the National Capital Commission (NCC) with regional First Nation representatives, and Zibi, a private mixed-use redevelopment project. The "Chaudière" name was given to the falls by Samuel de Champlain , an early French explorer who noted in a 1613 journal entry that

912-587: The Indigenous word for the falls was Asticou meaning boiler, but 'Asticou' is now thought to be a misprint as the Algonquin (Anishinaabemowin) word for boiler/cauldron is Akikok, and an Algonquin name for the location is Akikodjiwan. The European name comes from the French Chutes de la Chaudière , meaning "Cauldron Falls", historically translated as "Kettle Falls". The shape of the falls before its development resembled

960-500: The Mohawk term." Akikodjiwan is the name given to the falls by some Anishinaabe peoples of this area. For Anishinaabe who gathered and traded along portage routes surrounding the Falls, the waterfall's whirlpool was the bowl of a great peace pipe, and its mists were smoke rising to the Creator. Prior to European contact and colonization, the area surrounding the Chaudière Falls and islands

1008-579: The Ontario Municipal Board appeal of the city's rezoning of the site as well as to support the Asinabka vision. Chaudière and Albert Islands to their natural state, and is collecting signatures on a petition to that end. This non-Indigenous group views it as an example of cultural appropriation , "red-washed commercial exploitation", and a violation of Indigenous Rights as per the UNDRIP. They disagree with

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1056-414: The Ottawa River. Champlain describes in his journal on June 14, 1613: In the days of the fur trade , the Chaudière Falls were an obstacle along the Ottawa River trade route. Canoes were portaged around the falls at the place now known as Hull . The arrival of Philemon Wright to this area in 1800 marked the start of the development of the city of Hull. In 1827, the region's first bridge, Union Bridge

1104-514: The bridge would be closed due to concerns over rising water level caused by the 2019 flood. Chaudi%C3%A8re Falls The Chaudière Falls , also known as the Kana:tso or Akikodjiwan Falls , are a set of cascades and waterfall in the centre of the Ottawa - Gatineau metropolitan area in Canada where the Ottawa River narrows between a rocky escarpment on both sides of the river. The location

1152-559: The construction of the Rideau Canal because Colonel By's initial base of operations was initially in Wright's Town (Hull). The bridge received its name to "symbolize the joining of the Provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada". The 212-foot (65 m) wooden truss bridge which spanned the Chaudière Falls collapsed on May 18, 1836. A ferry service was temporarily used until a new bridge

1200-410: The developers. Centrale Hull 2 is a 27 MW 4-turbine hydroelectric generating station on the Ottawa River on the Gatineau side of the Chaudière Falls ( 45°25′17″N 75°43′11″W  /  45.42143°N 75.719728°W  / 45.42143; -75.719728 ). It is owned by Hydro-Québec and is listed as a run-of-the-river dam and its commission date as 1920–1969. Its reservoir capacity

1248-551: The development because they believe that the islands around the falls have been a sacred religious site for millennia, and would prefer to see all islands turned into public parkland and Indigenous site as per the 1950s NCC plans, the Asinabka vision led by the late Algonquin leader William Commanda, and the AFN resolution of December 2015. Other notable project opponents include Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal and author John Ralston Saul . For Algonquin communities that are partners to

1296-513: The existing E. B. Eddy buildings and build new developments adjacent to the Falls. It will be home to approximately 3,500 residents when completed. The redevelopment is opposed by groups and individuals hoping to restore the site to a natural state and return the unceded area to Algonquin stewardship. Windmill named the project "Zibi", the Algonquin Anishinabe word for river, following a public naming competition. Patrick Henry, who entered

1344-491: The falls from Domtar Corporation in 2012, including the ring dam and water rights. A project started in 2015 and completed in 2017 increased the generating capacity of the stations from 29 to 58 MW. This project buried new turbines below grade next to the falls, enabling public access, new viewing platforms and a park celebrating Algonquin and industrial heritages. Victoria Island (Ottawa River) Victoria Island ( French : Île Victoria , Algonquin : Asinabka )

1392-414: The federal government and a decision to repair the bridge spans was made. Consultants used computer-simulations to model the stress and the condition of the arches. Ottawa historian John Taylor had proposed that the government use the opportunity to open up the area to views of the Falls. In May 2009 the bridge was reopened after repairs to the concrete spans. In late April 2019, authorities announced that

1440-457: The first one had collapsed the previous November.) While the main span was a wooden arch , masonry arches were also used for the smaller spans. Thomas McKay had been given contracts to construct two of its stone arches. One of Thomas Burrowes ' first assignments during the construction of the Rideau Canal was to help plan and construct the Union Bridge. The bridge had been needed during

1488-517: The islands and large swaths of land throughout the watershed. The primary inhabitants of the region were the Algonquin Anishinaabe, who carved complex networks of portage routes to circumvent waterfalls and other natural landmarks. Samuel de Champlain is the first recorded European to label the falls, chaudière, (which the English for a time would call 'Big Kettle') during his 1613 voyage along

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1536-418: The islands and shores at the Chaudière Falls have been developed and the river's flow and drop have long been harnessed to operate paper mills and power stations. In 1910, the ring dam that diverts water to the power stations was built. The E. B. Eddy Company operated a matchmaking business, and a variety of pulp and paper mills, later acquired by Montreal-based Domtar Inc. in 1998. Operations ceased in 2007,

1584-473: The majority of the private properties put up for sale, and transfer to Hydro Ottawa and Hydro-Québec to operate run-of-the-river hydro-electric generating stations at the falls. Victoria Island ( 45°25′16″N 75°42′44″W  /  45.421151°N 75.712228°W  / 45.421151; -75.712228 ) is located in Ontario between Ottawa and Gatineau on the Ottawa River, where it narrows near

1632-438: The masonry arches. It was closed immediately in both directions "until further notice." The closure affected commuting across the Ottawa River, including OC Transpo bus routes 8, 88, and 105 which run across the bridge and stop in front of the government offices at Terrasses de la Chaudière . The bridge was partially re-opened one week later with weight restrictions and a reduced speed limit. The bridge work went under review by

1680-530: The meeting place of three rivers and perched on a rocky point overlooking fast-moving water—gave it special meaning. It is currently part of an area administered by the National Capital Commission . The island contains an Indigenous business, "Aboriginal Experiences", which offers the history of the First Nations people, a tour, traditional dance, a cafe, and a First Nations craft workshop, all in

1728-774: The name was chosen to celebrate the significant waterways in the region, and bring attention to the Algonquin Nation's traditional territory in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. Since 2015, the First Nation partners of the project are the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation , and the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), representing 10 communities, including Pikwakanagan. The AOO is the only named Algonquin Aboriginal Interest in

1776-595: The oki, whose thunderous voice was heard in the roar of the falls, they made sacrifices of tobacco; while the Mohawks and Onondagas each gave a name to that cauldron of seething water which is known to us as The Big Kettle. The Mohawks called it Tsitkanajoh, or the Floating Kettle, while the Onondagas named it Katsidagweh niyoh or Chief Council Fire. It is possible that our Big Kettle may be a modified or corrupted translation of

1824-457: The project, non-Indigenous interventions in Zibi have been an issue in advancing economically in the region. Chief Kirby Whiteduck of Pikwakanagan stated that "The Algonquin people don't need to be saved from the Zibi project". Others such as Albert Dumont from Kitigan Zibi reproach the project's leadership for being non-Indigenous. Discussions with several other Algonquin communities are ongoing with

1872-533: The seething and frothing of the surface, in its continual whirl, assists in completing the resemblance," though Hunter himself provides no reference, historical or otherwise, to contradict de Champlain's account of the naming of the falls. From a 1909 publication, sourced on the Canadian National Museum of History's website: "While waiting thus for their prey to break cover, from up or down the river, they devoted their spare time to various occupations. To

1920-531: The site. Although there is general consensus for the developments on Victoria Island, while some dispute Commanda's vision for the other islands and falls, his full vision is documented in a presentation he made to the City of Ottawa in 2010 and is also more extensively documented on the Asinabka.com website. Victoria Island contains the following buildings: Aboriginal Experiences Centre, the Ottawa Electric Railway Company Steam Plant,

1968-479: The south side of the river) which later became a major tourist attraction where King Edward VII (then Prince Albert of Wales) in 1860, and the future George V in 1901 both experienced the thrill of "shooting the slides". Also in the 19th century, some of Canada's largest sawmills were located near the falls. Notable lumber barons in this area were Henry Franklin Bronson and John Rudolphus Booth . Since then, all

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2016-468: The traditional relationship between First Nation communities and private development, and have engaged sincerely and meaningfully with all Algonquin Anishinabe communities in Ontario and Quebec, and several tribal Councils. All but one of the ten status Algonquin communities opposed the Zibi project, although as noted above, two of those communities shifted their position. "Free The Falls" formed to support

2064-490: The winning suggestion, declined the prize and asked that the money go to a canoe trip involving Kitigan Zibi youth instead, but the youth then asked that they not accept the money. Speaking personally, the then-Chief of Kitigan Zibi Gilbert Whiteduck confirmed having had several respectful discussions with the company representatives but stated they did not consult with Algonquin Elders, nor follow proper protocols. The company alleges

2112-470: Was a significant meeting place between peoples in the region. Hunting grounds and temporary or semi-permanent settlements dotted the banks of the Ottawa River (Kichi Sipi), as rivers and waterways were used as highways, thanks to innovations such as the canoe . Water levels around the Chaudiere Falls would fluctuate 28 feet (8.5 m) throughout the year, depending on rain and snow melts, and would flood

2160-477: Was again rebuilt using steel truss construction. The current steel bridge was built by the Dominion Bridge Company in 1919. Several of the masonry arches dating from 1828 are still in use, just to the north of the current steel bridge. On December 3, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada closed the bridge for vehicular and pedestrian traffic after an inspection revealed deterioration in

2208-469: Was at the head of the Falls before the Ring dam was built. The falls are about 60 metres (200 ft) wide and drop 15 metres (49 ft). The area around the falls was once heavily industrialized, especially in the 19th century, driving growth of the surrounding cities. The damming of the river and the presence of industry have greatly altered the lands surrounding the waterfall, and the fall's appearance. This

2256-455: Was built close to the falls. When the logging industry began in this area and farther upstream, the falls were again an obstacle for log driving . In 1829, Ruggles Wright (son of Philemon Wright) built the first timber slide , allowing logs and timber rafts to bypass the falls along the north shore, along what is now known as rue Laurier in Gatineau. In 1836, George Buchannan built a slide for cribs between Victoria and Chaudière Islands (on

2304-436: Was opened in 1843. Over the years, the main span had to be replaced several times, however much of the original (1827–1828) spans remained in place. The changes that follow refer mostly to the replacement of the main span. The Union Suspension Bridge, opened on September 17, 1843 (possibly September 17, 1844), was a 242-foot (74 m) iron bridge built by Alexander Christie, and designed by Samuel Keefer until 1889 when it

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