Station Type
Underground, line station, downtown hub
Platform Style
Centre
Entrance/Exits
- The West entrance is on the south side of Elgin Street adjacent to National Arts Centre and the National War Memorial.
- The East entrance is located on the south side of Rideau Street inside the Rideau Shopping Centre adjacent to the existing food court.
Theme
Gallery: This theme would create a space for temporary art exhibits covering contemporary Canadian art. It could be designed to incorporate opportunities for temporary art works and exhibitions. The design could include aspects of versatile uses of space, consideration of incorporation of all artistic mediums within the plans for operational requirements, and potential links/partnerships for art/academic institutions.
Description
Rideau is a new underground station located approximately 29 meters below street level. This station will provide the principal connection to the ‘heart’ of Canada’s Capital.
The design responds to the unique mix of symbolic and practical land uses near the station that create a special place and identity for Ottawa, and serve as a stage for communicating Canadian culture and history. The design respects development standards protecting the visual integrity and symbolic primacy of the Parliament Buildings and other important view corridors.
The east entrance is planned to be integrated into the Rideau Shopping Centre, adjacent to the existing food court. This location will maintain the functional requirements of the roadway and sidewalks on Rideau Street.
The west entrance is integrated into the green space just north of the National Art Centre (NAC). Passengers can access the station from the broad Elgin Street tree lined sidewalk, just north of the Frieman Lane access road that leads to the NAC front entrance. The station entrance is positioned at the south side of the park to minimize its visual presence within the NCC protected capital view shed #18.
The station entrance is designed to provide universal access to the Rideau Canal through the use of elevators and a ramp. The station is embedded into the side slopes of the park, which allows 90% of the structures to be covered with plantings and turf.
Track & Platform Configuration
There is a 150 metre long centre platform with tracks on each side.
Descent / Ascent
Trains will be accessed from the platforms four levels below grade. The distance is approximately 29 metres down. Riders may descend and ascend via stairs, elevators, or escalators. Estimated time from entrance to platform is approximately 160 seconds.
Connections
Rideau station will provide access to office buildings, retail shops, and restaurants on Rideau Street and in the Byward Market as well as destinations such as hotels, the Convention Centre, the National Arts Centre, and the War Memorial.
Future Consideration
A second east entrance could be located within the proposed Lord Stanley Plaza in the urban open space at the southwest corner of Rideau Street and Colonel By Drive. It would be positioned in the south half of the plaza space giving way to the proposed commemorative landmark and outdoor entertainment square in the north half. A potential future connection to the Government Conference Centre (former Train Station) could also be provided in this location.
