Residents of Old Ottawa South are rejoicing over the installation of new signage that shares the tale of an ancient boulder discovered in their neighborhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. During an unveiling event at Windsor Park last week, Gauri Sreenivasan, a resident of Bellwood Avenue, expressed the significance of the boulder, now dubbed the “Bellwood Boulder,” in providing both public education and engagement.
The signage details how the colossal erratic was transported to the area by glaciers around 10,000 years ago and remained concealed beneath Bellwood Avenue until April 2021 when it was unearthed during water pipe replacement work. The unveiling ceremony for the new sign took place on May 8 in Windsor Park.
Sreenivasan shared that during the pandemic lockdown, she and fellow Bellwood Avenue residents gravitated towards the giant rock, which had become a gathering spot, akin to a water cooler, where conversations flowed. The boulder became a focal point for community interaction and bonding during the challenging times of isolation.
When there was a proposal to crush the boulder for easier removal, residents, led by Sreenivasan, advocated for its preservation not only as a piece of natural history but also as a symbol of community unity during the pandemic. Their efforts led to the boulder being relocated to Windsor Park, symbolizing the strength of community action and solidarity.
Sreenivasan emphasized the importance of the community’s role in saving the boulder, highlighting the lesson in the power of collective action. She hopes that visitors who read the sign will recognize the impact of community mobilization in preserving the rock for future generations.
By rallying behind their cause, the residents successfully safeguarded the boulder, showcasing the resilience and influence of community collaboration.
