A Winter Tradition Returns to Ottawa
For generations, Mooney's Bay has been a winter hotspot for Ottawa families seeking sledding thrills and outdoor fun. Now, residents in the busy southeast community park area are making their voices heard about bringing the sled hill back—and the city of Ottawa is actively listening.
The city has put forward four distinct options to reopen and redesign the sledding hill, each offering a different vision for how to safely bring back legal tobogganing to the park. Rather than making the decision behind closed doors, Ottawa is doing something increasingly rare: asking residents what they actually want.
Why This Matters to the Mooney's Bay Community
Mooney's Bay is more than just green space—it's a gathering place where Ottawa residents have created memories for decades. During winter months, it becomes something special: a hub of outdoor activity where families come together to play, laugh, and enjoy the season. Sledding has always been central to that experience.
The loss of legal tobogganing has left a gap in the neighborhood. Winter recreation options matter, especially in Ottawa where the season stretches long. When a beloved activity disappears, it changes the character of a community. That's why residents have been so vocal about wanting it back.
The Four Options on the Table
The city is giving residents meaningful input on four different design approaches for the sled hill. Each option represents a distinct way of thinking about how to make sledding accessible, fun, and safe for Ottawa families while meeting modern park design standards.
This is the kind of decision that shapes not just parks, but neighborhoods. How the sled hill is designed will influence how families use Mooney's Bay for years to come. Will it be a destination for serious sledders? A spot for casual family outings? How steep should it be? Where should it be located within the park? These details matter.
Your Voice Counts
If you've ever sledded at Mooney's Bay, or if you live near the park and care about its future, this is your moment to weigh in. The consultation period is open, and community feedback will directly shape the outcome. This isn't just bureaucratic window-dressing—Ottawa is genuinely seeking input on which option best serves residents.
The process shows what's possible when cities actually ask their residents what they want. In a neighborhood that's been missing a key piece of its winter identity, having a say in how it comes back is meaningful.
Winter in Ottawa is long, and community spaces like Mooney's Bay make it bearable—even enjoyable. Getting sledding back on the table is a step toward reclaiming that spirit. The four options give residents hope that their beloved sled hill will soon return.
Source: CBC Ottawa
