For 125 years, the National Capital Commission has been bringing to life a beautiful, majestic vision of the region that is befitting of the seat of government. As the organization celebrates this milestone, it is looking ahead to continue this important mandate with a focus on listening to input from both residents and visitors alike.
Alain Miguelez, vice president of capital planning at the NCC, says that there was historically a sense that ‘Town’ and ‘Crown’ are two separate entities never to cross paths.
“These days, we want the city to look like a capital and we want the capital to look like a city. And so, the more the NCC strengthens its collaborations with local governments and partners, the more successful new developments will be. We want to hear from people who live in the national capital, as well as people from across the country who visit the region each year,” Miguelez says.
“Openness and transparency with Canadians provides insight and guidance to what is important to people as we develop our plans,” he adds.
Over the past year, evidence of this consultative focus has emerged, with the opening of the River House on the Ottawa River, a swimming area that is free of cost and accessible to everyone. The NCC is also redeveloping Kìwekì Point (formerly Nepean Point) to create a lively, 21st century park in the heart of the capital. The project includes a footbridge from Major’s Hill Park and a new approach for the interpretation elements and monuments on site, developed with the participation of representatives of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn.
This project also reflects the NCC’s intention to place a larger emphasis on the region’s waterfronts. “We are turning toward the water,” Miguelez says. In addition, the NCC will be looking to add more points of interests to attractions along Confederation Boulevard, the core area and across the capital region on both sides of the river.
And of course, there is the ongoing development of LeBreton Flats. “LeBreton will basically double the size of downtown,” Miguelez remarks.
The NCC was created in 1899 under the name Ottawa Improvement Commission as the federal urban planner responsible for managing and planning Crown-owned lands on both sides of the Ottawa River in collaboration with stakeholders.
While the NCC has undergone several name changes and configurations over the years, it has always been in charge of notable properties such as waterfronts along the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, the Sussex Courtyards and the Official Residences (including Rideau Hall). It currently manages 11 per cent of land in Ottawa and owns more than 1,600 properties.
When the NCC was founded, Ottawa was a polluted, industrial city that required much attention to enhance its aesthetics. Over the years, it has unveiled several ambitious plans on a 50-year cycle that included the parkways that span the city, as well as Confederation Boulevard in downtown Ottawa-Gatineau.
The region has come a long way since those days, with some significant plans enacted that enhance the capital. With strong public participation and consultation, this mandate will continue for years to come.
This article first appeared in the September 2024 special “City Building” issue of the Ottawa Business Journal. That publication is available in its digital edition below:
