{"id":3502,"date":"2025-01-21T08:17:12","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T13:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ottawa-name.com\/?p=3502"},"modified":"2025-01-21T08:17:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T13:17:25","slug":"the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa","title":{"rendered":"The History of Dow&#8217;s Lake in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Dow\u2019s Lake is a pearl in the heart of Ottawa, beloved by locals and visitors alike. It serves as a hub for recreational activities, offering ice-skating in winter and canoeing or kayaking in summer. Its rich history brims with transformation and importance, making it a site worth exploring. <a href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/uk\/\">Ottawa Name<\/a> dives into the captivating story of Dow\u2019s Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5fd7b8b1229\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a5fd7b8b1229\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#How_It_All_Began\" >How It All Began<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#Flooding_Dows_Swamp\" >Flooding Dow\u2019s Swamp<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#Changing_Attitudes_Toward_Dows_Lake\" >Changing Attitudes Toward Dow\u2019s Lake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#The_Dam_at_Dows_Lake\" >The Dam at Dow\u2019s Lake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#Dismantling_the_Dam_at_Dows_Lake\" >Dismantling the Dam at Dow\u2019s Lake<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#Dows_Lake_and_Its_Surroundings\" >Dow\u2019s Lake and Its Surroundings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/eternal-3502-the-history-of-dows-lake-in-ottawa\/#Modern-Day_Dows_Lake\" >Modern-Day Dow\u2019s Lake<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_All_Began\"><\/span>How It All Began<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The lake was named after Abraham Dow, an early settler from the United States who arrived in Ottawa in 1814 and purchased \u201cLot M in Concession C\u201d in the small town of Gloucester. Samuel and Mabel Dow also settled nearby but returned to the U.S. in 1826, discouraged by the challenges of living near the swamp, including mosquitoes, diseases, and other hardships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once an expansive swamp extending to Ottawa&#8217;s northern parts, the area was a major obstacle for construction projects. Gradually, the swamp\u2019s northern and southern shores were blocked by dams, creating the navigable Dow\u2019s Lake that we know today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearing the land for the canal was not easy. Workers had to cut down pine trees and remove stumps. Supervised by Colonel John By, Royal Sappers and Miners worked diligently to create Dow\u2019s Lake. Historical accounts highlight the difficulties of constructing the canal between Bytown and Kingston, specifically the stretch between the Ottawa River and Hog\u2019s Back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colonel By explored two potential routes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Connecting the Ottawa River and Hog\u2019s Back by cutting a canal from above Chaudi\u00e8re Falls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building a canal along Preston Street, which was simpler but would reward land speculators\u2014a prospect Colonel By refused to support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxe2y6ux8qbw2z3efn5f4jbzrmwklkfvpkeonl7kxdhoh211phmuroxufz4njhtk_3we0lvvx9lqr5rzunnwdr7na6fo0ktxfuh6lhusw0sz0h_l2ctbt4tjihvkgpumyw3oxfuxcakeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flooding_Dows_Swamp\"><\/span>Flooding Dow\u2019s Swamp<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To proceed, \u201cBy Drive\u201d was built under the direction of Philemon Wright, though Wright himself declined involvement in the dam\u2019s construction. In 1870, a major fire in Ottawa led to the breach of the St. Louis Dam to save the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colonel By constructed the canal at Entrance Bay, east of Parliament Hill. The swamp along present-day Preston Street was drained in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In its early days, Dow\u2019s Swamp was considered one of the gloomiest areas, especially the so-called \u201cCranberry Swamp.\u201d Malaria was rampant, claiming the lives of many workers. Colonel By himself fell ill but managed to recover. Despite the hardships, By\u2019s leadership raised the swamp\u2019s water level, transforming it into Dow\u2019s Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxdk8nh6bj8hcpieatvkpc6syxm-5-mtrhwrjlkw-rvuuz60rajij7mae3izr7nikeq7p91vcin78sgwp4bumoyzgerslwrgvrgolyuiuy3kldv6tydb9aiq_f3qi5aav4_evulykeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Changing_Attitudes_Toward_Dows_Lake\"><\/span>Changing Attitudes Toward Dow\u2019s Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For much of the 19th century, Dow\u2019s Lake remained unnoticed by locals. However, as Ottawa grew, so did the city\u2019s proximity to the lake, particularly with the establishment of the Central Experimental Farm. The extension of the electric tramway to the farm increased public interest, turning the lake into a spot for swimming and boating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1899, the government established the Ottawa Improvement Commission, which proposed building a diagonal dam across Dow\u2019s Lake. By 1904, a dam was constructed, connecting Lakeside Avenue to Preston Street and the Experimental Farm. This dam split the lake in two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, not all plans materialized. For example, the Commission\u2019s ambitious vision for a large aviary inspired by the Bronx Zoo in New York never came to fruition due to high costs. The aviary was intended to house various Canadian bird species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxcbk5v4ntqmvpcxeuflpig-x3cdtz6gj5bx6c6aaukk8kwgn0ihjssrjjgusmb6k-c4smxy-msawi0dvvlrltxqszltv3nwbzxqgtmkppd1oqac-5losyefelwfwhypywnkatmn8qkeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Dam_at_Dows_Lake\"><\/span>The Dam at Dow\u2019s Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The dam lasted for 25 years but faced criticism for its narrowness, high curbs, and lack of nighttime lighting, which caused frequent accidents. In 1926, the National Capital Commission, led by Thomas Ahearn, proposed removing the dam and expanding access roads around the lake\u2014a plan that echoed earlier proposals from Ottawa\u2019s former mayor, Fred Cook. In 1927, the Dominion government approved the project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxfbus3dj43dc0ila7uiwdzsdtmba7hdhg4ni07kayspmvgiyudnyfonicsvqliame_rj1wymbdd6l9yy3b0fvgy6hgjer-znbvrdnq9fxdfvxkikayh9cnslngzbkkvwxmcduawoqkeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dismantling_the_Dam_at_Dows_Lake\"><\/span>Dismantling the Dam at Dow\u2019s Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1928, water levels in the Rideau Canal were lowered, allowing the dam\u2019s dismantling to begin. Workers planted trees along new access roads to conceal the remnants of the dam\u2019s structure. By March 1929, the dismantling project was completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Water flowed back into Dow\u2019s Lake, restoring its clean and picturesque appearance. The dam\u2019s remnants\u2014stone clusters hidden beneath the water\u2014no longer pose a threat to navigation. In 1936, further work was conducted to deepen areas around the old dam\u2019s foundation, which enhanced winter fishing by attracting fish to deeper waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the dam is largely forgotten, though its traces resurface during fall when low water levels reveal narrow stone islands. Historical hydrographic maps provide a glimpse into the dam\u2019s exact past location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxdvc-v-jb1ors1f7mer5gzh3mbfqklrz3mluqk6cbjrw7tlvkn6oapeku7pvpet28eqa3gh_068cuwpsvmakpuiqtu2eyacym3lmkykdan8lozlb7onpausbet0usrazmsfcu-skeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dows_Lake_and_Its_Surroundings\"><\/span>Dow\u2019s Lake and Its Surroundings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The area around Dow\u2019s Lake is unique, featuring a large park near the Rideau Canal\u2019s entrance. The once-extensive \u201cGreat Dow\u2019s Swamp\u201d has transformed into a vibrant lake surrounded by homes and scenic properties on its southeastern corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxfp9imuuvgt99imfsuhynmtwmnhtlazwvwdjurwdz1tnu8zvsokqc92xqlcpi2rhpnp1g6hnwzm4psw9dypk2bat5kz9sf6oxvfgol1zzp9muojq2rm3bnujtye0a1vb053jyh6keynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern-Day_Dows_Lake\"><\/span>Modern-Day Dow\u2019s Lake<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dow\u2019s Lake is now a hub for summer and winter recreation. The Dow\u2019s Lake Pavilion is a key attraction, welcoming boaters traveling between Kingston and Ottawa via the Rideau Canal. Visitors can rent canoes and paddleboats or enjoy the surrounding cafes and restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paths and parks encircle the lake, attracting runners, cyclists, and walkers. The lake&#8217;s location is ideal for exploring Ottawa\u2019s charm, with Dominion Arboretum on one side and Commissioners Park on the other. Loved by Ottawa residents, Dow\u2019s Lake is a must-visit location that offers recreation, beauty, and a deeper connection to the city\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.ottawa.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/34\/2025\/01\/ad_4nxecpccjouvod9jv6zovxzghfah9kzc7t2uo-ixaitqdsoplhyj_mr0vc7t_nyiztw2ot7gweeamq2p0ccvyangon_tzkkjxyiwhiigaesbpz3vjejdlw-oseohbtxivrllwd49h7qkeynfabhgdveb4kvh3jiat1kreb.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dow\u2019s Lake is a pearl in the heart of Ottawa, beloved by locals and visitors alike. It serves as a hub for recreational activities, offering ice-skating in winter and canoeing or kayaking in summer. Its rich history brims with transformation and importance, making it a site worth exploring. Ottawa Name dives into the captivating story [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":467,"featured_media":1932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[2736,2732,2739,2738,2742,2741,2642,2734,2733,2737,2647,2731,2740,2743,2735,2744],"moimportance":[29,30,33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[22],"class_list":{"0":"post-3502","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-american-abram-dow","9":"tag-building-a-dam","10":"tag-canal-at-entrance-bay-on-the-ottawa-river","11":"tag-commissioners-park","12":"tag-creation-of-the-central-experimental-farm","13":"tag-difficulties-in-creating-dow-lake","14":"tag-dominion-arboretum","15":"tag-dows-great-swamp","16":"tag-flooding-of-dows-swamp","17":"tag-history-of-dow-lake","18":"tag-history-of-ottawa","19":"tag-leadership-of-colonel-john-bye","20":"tag-raising-the-water-level-in-the-swamp","21":"tag-samuel-and-mabel-dow","22":"tag-searching-for-the-best-canal-construction","23":"tag-transformation-of-the-swamp-into-a-lake","24":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","25":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","27":"motype-eternal","28":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/467"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3502"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3524,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3502\/revisions\/3524"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1932"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3502"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3502"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3502"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ottawa.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}