Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the installation of new signage that recounts the discovery of an ancient boulder unearthed in their neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a recent unveiling event at Windsor Park, Bellwood Avenue resident Gauri Sreenivasan expressed the significance of the boulder, now known as the “Bellwood Boulder,” as a point of public education and engagement.
The signage details how the massive erratic rock was deposited in the area by glaciers around 10,000 years ago and remained hidden beneath Bellwood Avenue until it was exposed in April 2021 during water pipe replacements. Sreenivasan and other residents, confined to their homes due to the pandemic lockdown, gravitated towards the rock, using it as a gathering spot and a symbol of unity during challenging times.
Despite initial plans to crush the boulder for removal, community efforts led by Sreenivasan and others convinced the city to preserve it, emphasizing its role in fostering neighborhood connections and providing a safe space for public interaction. The boulder was eventually relocated to Windsor Park after residents lobbied their local city councillor. Sreenivasan hopes the sign will not only inform visitors about the boulder’s history but also highlight the power of community action in preserving shared heritage.
The incident serves as a testament to the unity and resilience of the community, showcasing how collective efforts can save a piece of natural history and strengthen neighborhood bonds.