The NCC Approves the Ottawa River North Shore Parklands Plan

Today, the National Capital Commission (NCC) Board of Directors approved the Ottawa River North Shore Parklands Plan. Identified as one of the key milestones outlined in the Plan for Canada’s Capital, 2017-2067, the Plan aims to improve access and more effectively develop shorelines and federal waterfront parklands located along the seven-kilometer perimeter surrounding Hull Island and Brewery Creek in Gatineau.

The Plan was the focus of a vast consultation process, with comments and suggestions submitted by the public and regional players, such as the Ville de Gatineau, Canadian Heritage and the Canadian Museum of History. The NCC also held discussions with representatives of the Kitigan Zibi Indigenous community. 

Summary

• Riverfront lands on the north shore of the Ottawa River will include 68.8 hectares, including 39.6 hectares of natural park, 28.3 hectares of landscaped, multi-use parks and 6.2 km of vegetated shoreline.
• The Plan will create an animated, accessible area at the Alexandra Bridge exit in Gatineau. The possible presence of a new harbour master’s office and the addition of recreational and commercial services will also help enhance the area’s vibrancy.
• Several multi-use parks and landscapes will be preserved, and a series of sites will be available to accommodate events of various sizes.
• New facilities will allow people to enjoy the river more fully and launch non-motorized watercraft.
• The development of 1.6 kilometers of new pathways will complete the 7.4-km, multi-use waterfront route around Hull Island. 
• New links will be created between riverfront lands and urban areas, and new sites will be opened to public access, including Scott Point and the park south of the Kruger plant. 
• The Kruger plant area will remain in a special study area given the length of the applicable lease agreement, which exceeds the planning horizon of the Plan. This area will be addressed when the lease termination date is closer at hand.
• Park development will provide an opportunity to feature the history of the sites. The plan encourages the creation of partnerships and provides for the development of Anishinabe archaeological sites.

Special Advisory Committee

• In addition to holding consultations with the public and various stakeholders, the NCC has created a Special Advisory Committee.
• This Committee will support the NCC’s efforts to implement the Plan and will offer advice about animation on federal riverfront lands not covered by the Plan.
• It includes 14 members representing the following organizations:
  • National Capital Commission
  • Ville de Gatineau
  • Canadian Heritage
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada
  • Windmill Developments Group
  • Kruger Products Inc.
  • Canadian Museum of History
  • Outaouais Tourism
  • CREDDO
  • Ottawa Riverkeeper
  • Indigenous community
  • Vision Centre-Ville
  • Hull Marina Corporation

Next Steps

Special Advisory Committee meetings                                                                               2018
Action Plan and start of implementation                                                              2018-2020

Quotes

“It is with great pride that I present the Ottawa River North Shore Parklands Plan. The Plan will help materialize the vision set out in the Plan for Canada’s Capital, 2017-2067 by improving shoreline access, creating lively waterfront areas and in partnership with the Algonquin community, developing Anishinabe archaeological sites. The Plan’s success depends on continued collaboration with the Ville de Gatineau and shoreline property owners, as well as federal partners. We will also continue consulting the public as the it advances.”

— Mark Kristmanson, Ph. D., Chief Executive Officer, NCC