Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the installation of new signage that recounts the discovery of an ancient boulder found during city infrastructure work in their area amid the COVID-19 pandemic. At a recent unveiling event at Windsor Park, Gauri Sreenivasan, a resident of Bellwood Avenue, emphasized the significance of the sign as a means of public education and engagement regarding the boulder’s history.
The informational sign details the origins of the massive erratic, now affectionately dubbed the “Bellwood Boulder,” which was brought to the region by glaciers around 10,000 years ago. Buried under Bellwood Avenue until April 2021, the boulder was uncovered during water pipe replacement operations.
During the pandemic lockdown, Sreenivasan and fellow residents of Bellwood Avenue found solace and community around the rock, which served as a gathering point despite its initial unassuming presence on the road. The boulder, later slated for crushing to aid in its removal, was advocated for by residents like Sreenivasan to be preserved not only for its geological significance but also for the unity it fostered within the neighborhood.
Following pressure from locals and discussions with the city council, the boulder was carefully transported to Windsor Park, much to the delight of individuals like Lindsay Suthren, who longed for a similar landmark. Sreenivasan hopes that visitors reading the sign will recognize the strength of communal efforts in saving the boulder from destruction, underscoring the unity and impact of community action.
The uplifting tale of the “Bellwood Boulder” serves as a reminder of the positive outcomes that can emerge when individuals come together for a common cause, as highlighted by Sreenivasan’s reflection on the community’s ability to effect change and preserve a piece of history.
