INDEX

Backgrounder

The Site — Beryl Gaffney Park

New Office Designs

Green Features

Construction

Future Use of Dickinson Square

Photo Gallery

Illustrations courtesy Christopher Simmonds
Architect Inc.

Background
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is a watershed-based environmental organization that represents a grouping of municipalities in the Rideau river watershed. It is funded primarily through municipal levies and self-generated revenue. The City of Ottawa is the largest municipal partner contributing 90 per cent of the municipal levy.

Moving to a single administrative office will save RVCA
and its members municipalities money

The RVCA has outgrown its administrative headquarters in Manotick. The existing facilities include seven separate buildings, four owned and three rented by the RVCA, that house 60 staff. In 2003, the RVCA conducted a Needs Analysis, Site Options and Business Case Study to determine the best option for a new headquarters. The study considered leasing office space, purchasing an existing building and renovating to suit, and building a new office. Further expansion of existing office space in Manotick was ruled out. The preferred option was to build a new office and the preferred site was Beryl Gaffney Park.

location

surrounding parkland

building site

site plan

This project is being undertaken in partnership with the City of Ottawa who will retain ownership of the land. The RVCA and the City would like this project to serve as a model and take every opportunity to design with nature.

Using Beryl Gaffney Park provides good working space for the RVCA and acts as a gateway/ educational opportunity for people using the park.