It’s hard to believe Ottawa Riverkeeper was once run out of an ordinary office whose only connection to water was through its street name: Bay.

“Our science lab was a carpeted closet,” recalled CEO Laura Reinsborough, describing how it was packed “floor to ceiling” with equipment that had to be hauled in and out for use.

Today, Ottawa Riverkeeper is not only near the water — it’s on the water, located in the award-winning NCC River House, where the nonprofit is continuing its mission of education, research and community engagement. The heritage building is located off the Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway in Rockcliffe Park. Outside the building is a scenic swim area, framed by docks and surrounded by sailboats and kayaks, making the area a popular waterfront destination.

Its move there a couple of years ago was a dream come true for the “small but mighty” organization, founded in 2001 to protect and improve the health of the Ottawa River and its watershed, said Reinsborough, who also holds the role of Riverkeeper.

She shared the memory of their former downtown office Friday morning. The occasion was a special event to celebrate the addition of interactive exhibits to the new Learning Lab. Kimberly Biggs, CEO of bilingual digital marketing agency POP Inc., emceed the formal program, bringing her infectious energy to the role.

The Learning Lab is a public space where visitors — including school children — can learn about the river.  “The dream was that Riverkeeper could be here to help mediate that relationship with the river, because we know that people protect what they love, and so many people living around the river love the river,” said Reinsborough.

There’s also a proper science lab in the NCC River House. “It’s not a carpeted closet anymore,” said Reinsborough with a smile.

A view of the swimming area from the balcony at the NCC River House, where Ottawa Riverkeeper is based. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Laura Reinsborough, CEO of Ottawa Riverkeeper, speaking at the celebration of the new exhibits at the organization’s Learning Lab. Photo by Caroline Phillips

The exhibits were made possible through a $175,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, represented by Francois Bosse, a member of the agency’s grant review team for the Champlain region. He delivered brief remarks, as did Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard, who shared that she learns something new every time she visits the space (like how an otter has 58,500 hairs packed into a single square centimetre of fur).

Ottawa Riverkeeper has marked a couple of big years, not only settling into its new digs, but also rolling out its first major fundraising drive: The Big River Give. The $5-million campaign is co-chaired by Colleen Westeinde, who’s the board chair of Ottawa Riverkeeper, and Geoff Green, the organization’s chair emeritus and founder of the SOI Foundation.

At Friday’s event, Westeinde announced that the campaign has reached 95 percent of its goal, and $250,000 to go. She even whipped out a marker to update the fundraising progress graphic (typically a thermometer but, in this case, a canoe paddle), symbolizing rising donations.

In a more personal moment, Westeinde shared her connection to the Ottawa River, recalling family sunsets, celebrating her wedding along its shores and holding her mother’s Celebration of Life there. “Throughout all the turns that my life has taken, this river has flowed alongside me,” continued Westeinde, expressing her wish for it to remain healthy for future generations.

Colleen Westeinde, board chair of Ottawa Riverkeeper and co-chair of its $5-million The Big River Give Campaign, updates the progress graphic with her green marker. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper donor Franklin Holtforster with Colleen Westeinde, Ottawa Riverkeeper board chair and campaign co-chair of The Big River Give. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper donor Michel Drouin and Chloe Hillier, director of philanthropy for Ottawa Riverkeeper, at the unveiling of its Learning Lab and its new museum-style exhibits. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa Riverkeeper supporter Kimberly Biggs served as emcee for the formal program portion of the celebration of the upgraded Learning Lab, when the public can learn more about the Ottawa River. Photo by Caroline Phillips

From left, Ottawa MPP Lucille Collard, Ottawa Riverkeeper board chair and campaign co-chair Colleen Westeinde, Ottawa Riverkeeper CEO Laura Reinsborough and supporter Kimberly Biggs during a celebration held at the NCC River House on Friday, September 19, 2025, to celebrate Ottawa Riverkeeper’s upgraded Learning Lab. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Along with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, major donors, as listed on the campaign website, include Gatineau-based Brigil, Desjardins, Gatineau-based Devcore, RBC Foundation, Taggart Parkes Foundation, Welch LLP and the Government of Canada through its Canadian Community Revitalization Fund.

Ottawa Riverkeeper will continue to expand its Learning Lab, with the addition of a mural that will cover an entire wall. The artwork will be created by the Three  Sisters Artist Collective, who are members of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation.

The audience heard how Ottawa Riverkeeper previously established an Algonquin advisory circle when it was preparing to make its move to the NCC River House.

The Learning Lab features signage — including a land acknowledgement — activity tables, a map illustrating the vast watershed, and a time-lapse video of a traditional birchbark canoe made by youth during a series of workshops supervised by master craftsperson Pinock Smith. The project took something like 600 hours to complete.

As well, the new Learning Lab celebrates the otter because this playful river resident reminds visitors of the wildlife that thrives in a healthy Ottawa River.

Laura Reinsborough, CEO of Ottawa Riverkeeper, at the podium alongside the concept design for a new mural by the Three Sisters Artist Collective that will eventually cover one of the walls in the new Learning Lab. Photo by Caroline Phillips

Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard speaking at the unveiling of Ottawa Riverkeeper’s enhanced Learning Lab. Photo by Caroline Phillips

An eastern view of the Ottawa River, as seen from the NCC River House, where Ottawa Riverkeeper is based. Photo by Caroline Phillips

This article is made possible through sponsorship from Star Motors, WCPD, Marilyn Wilson Dream Properties, ExecHealth, Infinity Convention Centre, Altis Recruitment, Bell Canada, First Avenue Investment Counsel, RBC, Welch LLP, Brazeau Seller Law.

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