Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the installation of new signage that narrates the tale of an ancient boulder discovered in their neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic amid city construction work. Gauri Sreenivasan, a resident of Bellwood Avenue, expressed the significance of the boulder, now dubbed the “Bellwood Boulder,” at a recent unveiling event in Windsor Park. The sign elucidates how this massive erratic rock was transported to the area by glaciers around 10,000 years ago and was finally unearthed in April 2021 during water pipe replacement.
During the pandemic lockdown, Sreenivasan and other residents of Bellwood Avenue found solace in the presence of the giant rock, which became a gathering spot for the community. Despite initial plans to crush the boulder for removal, residents advocated for its preservation not only for its geological value but also for the sense of unity it fostered within the neighborhood during a time of isolation.
Following community pressure, the boulder was relocated to Windsor Park, much to the delight of residents like Lindsay Suthren, who had a personal connection to its discovery. Sreenivasan emphasized the power of community action in saving the boulder and highlighted the importance of rallying together for a shared cause.
The commemorative sign not only educates visitors about the geological history of the Bellwood Boulder but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that can be achieved through community collaboration.