Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the unveiling of new signage that tells the story of an ancient boulder discovered in their neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gauri Sreenivasan, a resident of Bellwood Avenue, emphasized the significance of the sign as a means of public education and engagement.
The signage details the history of the massive erratic rock, now dubbed the “Bellwood Boulder,” which was carried to the area by glaciers around 10,000 years ago. It remained hidden beneath Bellwood Avenue until April 2021, when it was unearthed during water pipe replacement work.
During the pandemic lockdown, Sreenivasan and other residents found solace and community around the boulder, which became a gathering spot for discussions and interactions. The rock not only preserved a piece of natural history but also fostered bonds within the neighborhood.
Following community efforts, the boulder was relocated to Windsor Park after residents urged their local city councillor to save it from being crushed. The relocation was met with excitement by residents like Lindsay Suthren, who had unknowingly lived above the boulder for years.
Sreenivasan highlighted the power of community in saving the rock and emphasized the lesson in unity and activism that the sign conveys. She hopes that visitors reading the sign will recognize the impact of collective action in preserving historical and communal treasures.
The new signage and the boulder’s relocation serve as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Old Ottawa South community during challenging times.