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Catalina Fuels & the Kìwekì Point Redevelopment: A Story of Fuel, Collaboration & Renewal

  • Writer: Catalina Fuels
    Catalina Fuels
  • Aug 1
  • 3 min read

Partnering in Progress: Fueling a Landmark Public Space

Catalina Fuels was honoured to support the redevelopment of Kìwekì Point formerly Nepean Point an iconic site perched above the Ottawa River. Overlooked by Parliament Hill, and nestled between the National Gallery of Canada and the Alexandra Bridge, Kìwekì Point offers some of the most stunning views in the National Capital Region (The Hill Times, Wikipedia).

A New Name with Deep Meaning

On October 4, 2022, Nepean Point was officially renamed Kìwekì Point, using the Algonquin word that means “returning to one’s homeland.” This renaming reflects the NCC’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices and heritage in public places (Wikipedia).



A Design Rooted in Place, Culture & Sustainability

Through a 2017 international design competition, a multidisciplinary team led by Janet Rosenberg & Studio, along with Patkau Architects, Blackwell Structural Engineers, ERA Architects, and others, crafted a vision for a modern, accessible park integrated with ecological and cultural context (Janet Rosenberg & Studio).

The design includes:

  • Two universally accessible lookout points offering panoramic views of the Ottawa Gatineau skyline and Parliament Hill

  • Whispering Point, a sculptural architectural shelter

  • Pidàban Bridge (“dawn” in Algonquin), a 100‑metre pedestrian link connecting Kìwekì Point to Major’s Hill Park

  • Intricate meadow landscaping with silva‐cells, native-species planting, and a “ha-ha” feature for stormwater management and ecological resilience

  • Dynamic lighting and interpretive elements that weave local history, Algonquin stories, and the Big River Landscape into the visitor experience (The Hill Times, Janet Rosenberg & Studio)


This video showcases the construction of Pidàban Bridge (September 2023).


Innovative Construction & Close Coordination

Pomerleau led the construction effort using advanced tools and technologies:

  • Regular drone flights and ArcGIS aerial mapping to track progress

  • Open Space™ reality capture to enable remote consulting and agile coordination

  • BIM integration, 3D modeling, and on-site scanning to test tolerances and reduce fabrication conflictsAll while Catalina Fuels delivered clean, reliable on-site diesel to keep the heavy machinery and equipment operating smoothly (pomerleau.ca).

Project in Numbers

  • $45 million total rehabilitation budget (CTVNews)

  • 1 km of illuminated railing systems

  • 100 m custom pedestrian bridge

  • 250 Alaskan Yellow Cedar rafters

  • Over 1,500 plants and trees

  • 260 m of curved precast benching for seating and aesthetic effect (pomerleau.ca)

The park officially reopened to the public on May 16, 2025, welcoming visitors to its refreshed and inclusive space (Wikipedia).

Closing Thoughts: How Catalina Fuels Made a Difference

Catalina Fuels is proud to have powered every stage of this transformative public landscape from early earthworks to final finishes. As Pomerleau and NCC brought together Indigenous consultation, sustainable design, and cutting-edge construction, we ensured that energy needs were met with minimal disruption and maximum reliability.

Kìwekì Point now stands as a modern symbol of reconciliation, resilience, and civic beauty a place where nature, history, and community converge. Catalina Fuels was a refueling partner in making that vision possible.

Fueling infrastructure. Powering progress.

Sources & Further Reading


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