The City of Ottawa is investing significantly in winter recreation with an ambitious $3.1 million plan to transform Mooney's Bay into a premier sledding destination. This substantial investment aims to create a winter wonderland that will attract families and winter sports enthusiasts from across the region.
Major Upgrades for Winter Fun
The comprehensive plan, announced on November 17, 2025, represents one of the most significant investments in Ottawa's winter infrastructure in recent years. The project will focus on enhancing the natural sledding hill at Mooney's Bay, which has long been a popular informal sledding spot for local residents.
City officials confirmed that the funding will be used for extensive improvements including safety enhancements, lighting for evening sledding, and proper hill maintenance equipment. The transformation will turn what has traditionally been an ad-hoc recreational area into a professionally managed winter destination.
Economic and Recreational Benefits
The initiative is expected to provide substantial benefits to the local economy while addressing the growing demand for accessible winter activities. By creating a designated sledding destination, the city aims to reduce safety concerns associated with informal sledding locations while boosting winter tourism.
The $3.1 million investment will be allocated across multiple phases, with initial work scheduled to begin before the peak winter season. City planners emphasize that the project will maintain the natural beauty of Mooney's Bay while significantly improving its winter recreational capabilities.
Community Impact and Future Vision
Local residents have expressed excitement about the planned upgrades, which promise to make Mooney's Bay a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The sledding hill project complements existing summer activities at the location, including beach facilities and sports fields.
City officials project that the enhanced sledding facility will attract visitors from beyond Ottawa's borders, positioning Mooney's Bay as a regional winter destination. The project represents part of a broader strategy to promote active living and outdoor recreation throughout all seasons in the nation's capital.
With winter approaching, anticipation is building for the transformation of this beloved Ottawa landmark into a first-class sledding experience that will create lasting memories for families and winter sports enthusiasts alike.
