Less than a year after its grand opening, Ottawa's prestigious Kìwekì Point lookout has sustained significant damage after a school bus driver illegally drove on a pedestrian pathway. The National Capital Commission (NCC) confirmed the incident, which left dozens of wooden panels on the structure scratched, dented, and marked with yellow paint.
Extensive Damage to a New Landmark
The incident occurred on the section known as Whispering Point, an architectural shelter overlooking the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills. An investigation by the Ottawa Citizen found more than 64 wooden panels were damaged, with clear indents, split wood, and streaks of school-bus yellow paint.
NCC spokesperson Valérie Dufour stated the damage was discovered on December 3. The commission has reviewed surveillance footage which clearly shows "a school bus illegally driving on the Kìwekì Point Pathway." The NCC is now in contact with police and has shared the evidence.
Community Reaction and Repair Plans
Local residents expressed disappointment upon discovering the vandalism. Colin Churcher, an octogenarian who regularly walks from the Byward Market to the point, called the damage "bothersome" and "a great shame."
"It's a pity because it's taken a long time to get this whole thing done," Churcher told the Citizen.
Another local, Todd Plaskacz, found the damage during a Boxing Day walk. While hopeful repairs could restore the wooden structure to its original state, he acknowledged it would come at "an additional cost."
Dufour assured the public that the NCC is already working with the original design and fabrication teams to plan repairs. She also emphasized that the organization "will see full monetary compensation for the damage caused."
A Symbolic Site with a Hefty Price Tag
The damage is particularly poignant given the site's recent completion and cultural significance. Kìwekì Point first opened in May 2025 after five years of construction that began in 2019, with the entire development costing $45 million.
When it opened, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum highlighted the point's deep importance as a confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau Rivers—historically vital trade and gathering sites for the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation. The redesign intentionally places Algonquin history alongside other narratives, replacing the previous apex statue of Samuel de Champlain.
The NCC now faces the task of repairing the vandalism to this new jewel on Ottawa's waterfront, ensuring it remains a pristine place for gathering and reflection for all residents and visitors.
