ManorPark Community

By Mariev Wade (from the Manor Park Chronicle of March 1986)

With the establishment of the earliest precursor of the NCC in 1899, the Ottawa Improvement Commission listed among its goals the establishment a new park. By 1903 titles had been purchased on six different parcels of land between Rockcliffe Park and the rifle ranges, and bounded on the north by the Ottawa River, at a total cost of $35,253.36. This 110 acres of parkland was christened National Park.

As recorded (minutes and reports of the OIC since inception, 1911 -- 12), drainage tiles had been laid and a two-mile macadamized extension construction onto the existing road in order to serve this new park. Brush was cleared for bridle paths; walking paths with rustic bridges of wood and stone were laid out; and a racecourse was built, which one writer of the day enthused was "the fastest mile-long speedway in all of Canada." As well, and new tramway was built so the public could have access to the park's amenities. The total cost of these recreational improvements by the OIC to what was already becoming commonly called the Mile Circle Park was reported to be $124,808.79.

Since these early days, the mile circle Park has developed and changed to meet the needs of the public, always in concert with the original commissioners conception. This park appears from all the records to have been conscientiously held in trust, continuing to deserve the plaudits first expressed by Frederick Todd in 1903: "I have examined this land carefully, and I congratulate you upon your ability to secure a perfect natural Park so happily situated near the city."