A few weeks back we posted a reminder for people who walk their dogs in Shea Woods. That prompted several questions from residents about the status of the forest and the future dog park.
What is Shea Woods?
Shea Woods is located east of Shea Road and south of the Trans Canada Trail. The cedar forest has become a popular spot for dog walkers over the past 15 years. Until recently, it was privately owned by CRT, a partnership between Claridge, Richcraft and Taggart.
In 2022, City Council approved an agreement to acquire and protect approximately five hectares of Shea Woods, and protect the forest as a part of a public park. That acquisition is now complete, and the land is owned by the City of Ottawa.
What land has been acquired?
The City acquired the land as two separate parcels. Parcel 1 was conveyed to the City at no cost as a condition of approval for Phase 3 of the Westwood Plan of Subdivision. Parcel 2 was purchased by the City for just over $4.6-million. The parcels are located at the north-west corner of Cope and Goldhawk.
Shea Woods Parcel 1 and Parcel 2
This map shows the location of the parcel within the proposed (draft) Plan of Subdivision for 1555 Shea & 5500 Abbott Street.
What’s next?
Eventually the forest will become a City park. The intention is to maintain the cedar forest and create an off-leash dog park. I’ve committed about $585,000 from our ward’s Cash-in-Lieu of Parkland budget that will be used for landscaping, fencing, benches, waste bins, and other elements to ensure that the park is safe and accessible for residents.
Shea Woods is an important recreation and natural area for our community. In the next year or so, the City will be doing public engagement as they begin to finalize the park plans. This will help determine things like the location of the park entrance and pathways, placement of waste bins, benches, signage, and so on. I look forward to working with residents to ensure that this forest remains healthy and cared for in the years to come.
Meanwhile, CRT has submitted a draft Plan of Subdivision for the future phases of the Westwood development, which encompasses the protected portion of Shea Woods. As that subdivision progresses, residents will begin to see more construction activity in the area, including completion of Cope Drive extension along with new homes, a school, and parks.
A reminder for people who are walking their dogs in the forest
The nearby church parking lot is private property, and is owned and maintained by Holy Spirit Catholic Parish. If you are using the parking lot to access Shea Woods, please remember:
- Keep your dogs on leash when in the parking lot.
- Drive slowly.
- Be responsible and pick up after your pet. (Dog waste can be disposed in a sealed, leak-proof bag in your green bin at home.)
Thank you for your co-operation!