Ottawa – Riverside South’s newest park has been officially named Nimiq Park, a choice inspired by the City’s strong ties to the technology and innovation sector and in recognition of the importance of promoting science, technology and innovation to children and young people in the community.

“The extremely important role the high-tech community has played in shaping our local economy, workforce and education system cannot be understated,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The City’s partnerships with these technology leaders will help us inspire our youth to open their minds to the endless potential of science and technology.”

Nimiq is an Inuit word used to describe a force that binds things together. It is also the name of a fleet of orbiting satellites owned by Telesat Canada, a leading global satellite operator headquartered in Ottawa, and a valued member of the City’s high-tech sector. Nimiq Park is located at 5058 North Bluff Street and will feature a plaque explaining the significance of its name and its ties to Telesat.

Mayor Watson, Deputy Mayor Steve Desroches (Gloucester – South-Nepean Ward Councillor), and Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, were joined by Canadian astronaut Steve MacLean and Dan Goldberg, CEO of Telesat, for the official naming event held at Steve MacLean Public School today.

“The name Nimiq recognizes both our country’s cultural heritage and our future as a global innovator of leading-edge technology,” said Deputy Mayor Desroches, who initially proposed the name which was approved by City Council on May 11, 2011. “The naming of this park is an excellent way for us to recognize on an ongoing basis the contributions made by Ottawa’s technology sector.”

Students from the host school and three other Riverside South schools enjoyed a presentation on satellites during the event and their schools’ libraries each received a $1,000 donation from Telesat towards the purchase of science and technology-related materials.

The park’s name is both unique and meaningful, while at the same time reflects the City’s commitment to public safety by ensuring our emergency services can easily locate the park and avoid miscommunication during emergency dispatching and response.