Patterson Creek (Ottawa) facts for kids
Patterson Creek is a small body of water found right in the heart of Ottawa, Ontario. It's a peaceful spot, especially considering it's in the middle of a big city! This creek wasn't always as it is today. It has a cool history that shows how much the area around it has changed over time.
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Discovering Patterson Creek
Patterson Creek is located in the northern part of the Glebe neighbourhood. This area is just south of the Queensway and Centretown. The creek and the beautiful park around it are surrounded by some of Ottawa's most expensive homes. Even First Avenue Public School has a view of the creek!
How Patterson Creek Changed
Originally, Patterson Creek was just a small stream. It flowed east through a swampy area towards the Rideau River. But then, something big happened: the Rideau Canal was built! This huge construction project blocked the creek. Because of this, the creek became much larger than it was before.
Before the canal was built, there was a building called Cedar Lodge nearby. When the canal was finished, it created a small island in the creek. Cedar Lodge then sat on this new island. However, the lodge was taken down in the 1930s.
The creek used to stretch much further, from near Lyon Street all the way to the canal. It was named after George Patterson. He was an early settler who owned the land where the creek met the canal.
Landscaping and Modern Look
In the 1890s, work began to make the area around Patterson Creek more beautiful. The western part of the creek actually disappeared! It was replaced by Central Park. This was one of the first big projects by the Ottawa Improvement Commission. This group helped make Ottawa a greener and more beautiful city.
Today, Patterson Creek runs for two city blocks. It stretches from the canal to just west of O'Connor Street. Two bridges cross the creek. One is at O'Connor Street, and the other is on the Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
Winter Fun on the Creek
During the winter months, Patterson Creek becomes a popular spot for ice skating! The creek is cleared, just like the main Rideau Canal itself. It's a great place for younger children and anyone who wants to skate at a slower pace. Many people use it to avoid the faster skaters on the main canal.
