Ottawa is mourning the loss of a two-year-old child who died Friday evening following a drowning incident near the Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway along the Ottawa River, the Ottawa Police Service confirmed.
Emergency crews launched an extensive search and rescue operation after the toddler entered the water. Despite the efforts of police, paramedics, and search and rescue teams, the child did not survive.
A Tragedy on the River
The Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway — whose name means "Great River Pathway" in Algonquin — runs along the southern shore of the Ottawa River and is a popular corridor connecting several of Ottawa's western neighbourhoods. The riverside area, beloved by families and cyclists, became the scene of a heartbreaking emergency on Friday.
The Ottawa Police Service has not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, and an investigation is ongoing. The identity of the child has not been made public.
Community members and first responders in Ottawa have been left shaken by the loss. Tragedies involving young children near waterways serve as a stark reminder of how quickly dangerous situations can unfold, even in familiar, well-used public spaces.
Water Safety Around the Ottawa River
The Ottawa River and its surrounding shoreline attract thousands of residents each year — for cycling, walking, picnicking, and in warmer months, wading near the water's edge. But the river carries real risks: unpredictable currents, cold temperatures even in summer, and sudden drop-offs in depth.
Royal Life Saving Society Canada recommends the following around open water with young children:
- Always supervise children within arm's reach near any body of water — pools, rivers, and ponds alike
- Use approved life jackets whenever children are near or on the water
- Designate a Water Watcher — one responsible adult whose sole focus is watching children in or near the water
- Fence off access points where possible to prevent unsupervised entry
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children under five in Canada, and incidents can happen in seconds and in silence — without the splashing or calling out many people expect.
Resources for Ottawa Families
If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy, support is available through the Ottawa Victim Services program, which provides crisis support and referrals to residents impacted by traumatic events. They can be reached at 613-234-2755.
For water safety training, Ottawa Public Health and the Ottawa Lifesaving Club offer swim programs and drowning prevention resources throughout the city.
Our thoughts are with the family and all those affected by this devastating loss.
Source: Global News Ottawa
