NCC Opens Recreational Dock at Dow’s Lake

News Release

May 8, 2025

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce the opening of a new recreational dock at Dow’s Lake. Located across from Commissioners Park, the accessible dock will provide seating and lounging space and will be available for activities like paddleboarding throughout the summer.

The new dock improves public access to Dow’s Lake and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and supports the NCC’s commitment to animating and improving access to the region’s waterways. With a low-slope accessible entry, Muskoka chairs, bicycle racks, and native pollinator plantings, the dock supports the NCC’s effort to reshape the canal as a vibrant space for recreation.

Water quality testing is currently under way to determine if unsupervised swimming can be introduced later this summer. We encourage the public to follow our social media channels and visit our website for future updates.

The NCC will be gathering public feedback on the recreational dock pilot project through an online survey this summer. This input will help determine the success of this initiative and guide future improvements to the Dow’s Lake area.

LINKS

• Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake

Media Information

Benoît Desjardins
NCC Media Relations 
613-859-9596