Rockcliffe Park neighbours and the renewal of the Centennial Garden
At the heart of Rockcliffe Park is the Village Green, made up of Jubilee Garden to the east and the Centennial Garden at its center. Designed to commemorate Canada's centennial, these gardens are significant examples of landscape architecture by Humphrey Carver, a founding member of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects. The Centennial Garden’s unveiling in 1967 was attended by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, Leader of the Opposition John Diefenbaker, and Governor General Roland Michener.
Over the decades, thanks to the generosity of neighbours, Jubilee Garden was renewed and saw the addition of the Jubilee Pavilion.
Residents have long recognized the need to restore the Centennial Garden and address natural wear from time, weather conditions, and snow removal equipment. In 2022, a renewal plan was presented and received approval in principle from the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association (RPRA) and the Rockcliffe Park Foundation, and the project secured support from Councillor Rawlson King.
The renewal plan remains committed to honouring the original vision of the Centennial Garden while addressing areas of deterioration. Restoration efforts include replanting trees, repairing the outer circular ring of flagstone and river rocks, and incorporating a boulder to symbolize the addition of Canada’s third territory since the garden’s original construction. In October 2023, Ottawa City Council approved in principle a $150,000 contribution toward the renewal.
A City-led Centennial Garden Working Group has been established to facilitate community engagement. This group includes City planners, representatives from the Centennial Garden Revitalization Committee, representatives from the RPRA executive, and representatives from the Foundation executive - the Foundation is providing financial oversight for the project.
The next phase of the Centennial Garden renewal involves a public consultation and a community-wide fundraising campaign. The City will set the date for this consultation, during which project details—including drawings, cost estimates, and descriptions—will be posted online on EngageOttawa for public input. A hybrid in-person and virtual consultation will also be held at the Rockcliffe Community Hall, with support from Councillor King’s office.