The NCC’s Urbanism Lab is a free panel discussion series offering an innovative space where people from across Canada and leaders in urbanism, design, heritage and conservation, sustainability, and placemaking come together to inspire one another and discuss the future of the National Capital Region.
After more than a decade of activities, the Urbanism Lab has become a gathering place for people who are passionate about city-building, public spaces, and creating a capital that reflects the aspirations and values of Canadians. Through engaging conversations and diverse perspectives, the series fosters dialogue, inspires new ideas, and showcases innovative approaches from Canada and around the world.
Theme for 2026-2027: Capital by Design
Great capitals do not happen by accident. Their character and identity are shaped by the choices we make, the experiences we create, the connections we build, the landscapes we protect, and the places we design.
Through Urbanism Lab Season 13, the NCC will bring together influential voices, designers, planners, community builders, and innovators to explore the essential ingredients that shape our capital’s past, present, and future. From public spaces and mobility to housing, culture, sustainability, and resilience, each conversation will examine the ideas and critical decisions that help shape our capital identity.
Together, these discussions will reveal how thoughtful design, long-term vision, environmental stewardship, and strong leadership contribute to a capital that is dynamic, inspires residents, welcomes visitors, and reflects the values and aspirations of Canada.
Open NCC: A Look Behind the Scenes
Saturday, September 12, 2026
This special one-day event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the work of the NCC. Taking place at select NCC sites, the event features interactive activities, site experiences, and opportunities to meet the experts behind some of the region’s most important projects and initiatives. Open NCC invites participants to connect with NCC staff and partners to gain a deeper understanding of the role the NCC plays in building an inspiring capital.
Once Upon a Town: Celebrating 200 Years of Bytown
Wednesday, November 25, 2026
What makes us feel at home? This session reflects on the narratives that shape Ottawa’s identity—from Bytown’s origins to the evolving stories of the capital. Speakers will explore heritage conservation, cultural memory, and the role of storytelling in building a sense of place. The discussion will highlight how cities use interpretation, public art, and heritage landscapes to honour diverse histories and foster belonging.
Year-round Powerhouse: The Rideau Canal in All Seasons
Thursday, January 28, 2027
A deep dive into the Rideau Canal as a defining year-round public space in the National Capital Region. This session examines winter activities (skating, winter programming) and summer activation (boating, shoreline activities), positioning the Canal as a public asset in all seasons. International precedents—such as the Regent’s Canal (London) and Canal Saint Martin (Paris)—will illustrate how waterways can anchor public life, tourism, and capital identity. This session also provides an opportunity to discuss possibilities for ensuring the canal freezes reliably to support winter activity.
NCC Design Challenge Awards Celebration
Thursday, May 6, 2027
This event celebrates the bold visions and award winning submissions that reimagine key public spaces within the National Capital Region. Opening remarks from leading voices in placemaking set the tone for an inspiring evening.
Students are asked to reimagine Dow’s Lake through the replacement of the Dow’s Lake Pavilion, considering development along Preston Street and the Dows’ Lake shoreline, enhancing public access to the shoreline, and offering recreational amenities.
More information on the NCC's 2027 Urban Design Challenge.
The Urban Puzzle: Shaping Our City
Thursday, June 3, 2027
What makes a city feel beautiful, connected and vibrant? This session explores how the physical form of our communities—from street and block patterns to building design, density, and architectural detail—shapes everyday life.
Speakers will discuss urban fabric repair, missing middle housing, and the renewed interest in craftsmanship, ornamentation, and human scaled design. The conversation will also highlight how design excellence contributes to a capital that feels coherent, beautiful and inspiring.
The Urbanism Lab panel discussion series is an in-person event only.
Past series
If you would like to explore some of the topics we’ve covered, past editions of the Lab remain available on our YouTube channel.
Past challenges
The Urban Design Challenge is an annual ideas competition for students from across Canada. In this challenge, participants are invited to come up with innovative planning and design ideas for selected areas in the National Capital Region.
Have a look at winning designs from past editions:
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