Stillwater Creek Floodplain Wetland Restoration – Moodie Drive, Ottawa

The National Capital Commission (NCC), Real Estate and Development Branch, is proposing the construction of a wetland feature on NCC-owned federal lands at Field Trip Farm on Moodie Drive in Ottawa.

 

The project would be located within a low-lying area of previously cultivated agricultural land in the floodplain of a tributary to Stillwater Creek. The area periodically floods during high water events and has naturally evolved into a clearing within an existing hedgerow, providing suitable conditions for a wetland restoration project.

 

The proposed works include the excavation of two wetland cells (5000m2) adjacent to the creek, connected to the main channel by small connection channels to allow backwatering during high flow events. Excavated material would be reused around the wetland perimeter and naturalized (5000m2). Native plantings would be installed along the wetland margins, and habitat features such as root wads and basking logs would be added to enhance fish and wildlife habitat.

 

The project is intended to improve flood storage, reduce flow velocities, and enhance ecological function while minimizing environmental impacts. The NCC is working in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and the City of Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program.

 

Phases of Construction:

  • Installation of sediment and erosion control methods
  • Excavation of the wetland cells with a variety of depths
  • Placement of the root wads and basking logs within the wetland features
  • Planting of native vegetation in the wetlands and riparian areas
  • Connections made to the tributary of Stillwater Creek

 

Construction will be carried out using standard earth‑moving equipment such as tracked excavators. Temporary work areas will include equipment access routes, staging areas, and material stockpiling areas located within the project footprint. All temporary disturbances will be restored following construction.

 

Coordination with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) is required due to the presence of fish habitat within the project area.

 

The proposed project would take place on lands owned by the NCC and will be subject to a federal land use and design approval under the National Capital Act. The NCC will make an environmental determination under the Impact Assessment Act.

 

Temporary environmental effects may include short-term soil disturbance, localized vegetation removal, and increased turbidity during in water works. Tree removal is expected to be minimal and limited to small shrubs or individual trees within the immediate construction footprint.

 

No detours, closures, or disruptions to public facilities or access are anticipated during construction.

 

Construction is planned for the fall of 2026 with the possibility of phasing the two wetland cells over two years.

More

Latest update

April 29, 2026 – The National Capital Commission intends to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the National Capital Commission is inviting public comments until June 3, 2026 respecting that determination.

Participate

Contacts

Civil Engineering and Environment, Design and Construction
National Capital Commission
342–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C7
Telephone: 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867
Email: Civil-Enviro@ncc-ccn.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Stillwater Creek Floodplain Wetland Restoration – Moodie Drive, Ottawa (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-04-29

  • Proponent

    National Capital Commission

  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90416

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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