Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the installation of new signage that chronicles the discovery of an ancient boulder found during city construction in their neighborhood amid the COVID-19 pandemic. At a recent ceremony in Windsor Park, Bellwood Avenue resident Gauri Sreenivasan expressed the significance of the boulder, now dubbed the “Bellwood Boulder,” as a point of public education and engagement. The sign details how this massive rock, believed to have been transported by glaciers around 10,000 years ago, was unearthed beneath Bellwood Avenue in April 2021 during water pipe replacement work.
During the pandemic lockdown, Sreenivasan and other residents of Bellwood Avenue found solace around the boulder, which became a focal point for social interaction and community bonding. Despite initial plans to crush the boulder for removal, residents successfully advocated to preserve it, emphasizing its role as a symbol of unity during times of isolation.
Following pressure from the community, the boulder was lifted by crane and relocated to Windsor Park, much to the delight of locals like Lindsay Suthren. Sreenivasan highlighted the lesson in community empowerment demonstrated by the preservation of the boulder, emphasizing the collective strength that led to its conservation.
The unveiling of the new sign at Windsor Park serves as a testament to the power of community action in safeguarding natural and historical landmarks. This story of the Bellwood Boulder stands as a reminder of resilience and unity during challenging times.