Posted by: Kathy Krywicki
On May 8th 2026 a new interpretive panel was installed in Windsor Park, near the Riverdale entrance, to commemorate the renowned “Bellwood Boulder”.
The massive rock was discovered by City workers in 2021 during roadwork on Bellwood Avenue.
The text on the sign reads as follows:
This is an “erratic”, a large rock transported by glaciers during the last ice age over ten thousand years ago. It was unearthed during a watermain replacement on Bellwood Avenue in May 2021 amidst a COVID-19 lockdown and captivated neighbours young and old. While the pandemic kept people apart, the boulder brought people together as a a safe outdoor meeting point. Not wanting to see the boulder destroyed, the community rallied to save it. Thanks to the efforts of residents, the local councillor, and the city staff, it was moved to Windsor Park for all to enjoy for generations to come.
The boulder is sandstone (quartz arenite), likely from the Nepean Formation, the oldest Paleozoic rocks found the area.
Look closely: Can you see the glacial striations (scratches) on some of the polished surfaces? Can you find the indentation where a road crew in the early 20th century conducted drill testing?
Age in years: approx. 490 million
Weight: 14.5 tons
This sign was made possible thanks to the vision and involvement of Bellwood residents and Councillor Shawn Menard’s office.
