On April 18, the NCC Board of Directors met to discuss recent and upcoming projects. Here are the highlights presented in my Report on Activities.
24 Sussex Drive
In May 2023, we began a significant project at 24 Sussex Drive to improve and preserve the building. We’ve successfully completed several tasks, including:
- Removing and safely storing historical elements like doors and moldings
- Eliminating asbestos, a hazardous material
- Updating the old mechanical, heating, and electrical systems
We still need to insulate the exterior walls and install electric heat pumps, which will help maintain the building’s temperature.
Infrastructure Projects
- Kìwekì Point is almost finished after four years of work. We’re planning a big opening for early this summer. It’s going to be a place that shows off Canadian pride.
- We’re replacing lights on Farm Drive, along the NCC’s Scenic Driveway from Holland Avenue to Ash Lane.
- The Building LeBreton project is moving forward with construction at 665 Albert Street. The developer, Dream, aims to welcome residents by 2026. The new central library, Ādisōke, is also under construction, bringing a new district to life.
NCC Resources
- Our Confederation Boulevard Guidelines are entering the public consultation phase, with a Board review in early 2025.
- The draft for the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park Plan will be available for public feedback this spring, aiming for Board approval in the fall.
- These are part of broader efforts, including the Parkways Planning and Design Guidelines, which will have two rounds of public consultations.
- We’re updating the Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan for the National Capital Region.
Parkways Program
Stay tuned for the official details of the NCC Weekend Bikedays program, which we’ll release next week.
Community Engagement
- We’re working with stakeholders and the community on the National Capital Core Area Plan, with more public consultations over the summer. The plan should be approved in January 2025.
- In partnership with Parks Canada and the City of Ottawa, we’re conducting a Cultural Landscape study of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- For Ruisseau de la Brasserie, we’ve had public consultations and an open house that attracted many participants.
Environmental Sustainability
We’ve enhanced Gatineau Park’s visitor experience and emphasized conservation through various programs, including guided snowshoe tours for new Canadians and educational outings for students. And, in May, we’re launching a free shuttle service in Gatineau Park to protect wildlife and improve park access.
We’re funding studies on the effects of traffic on wildlife and the impact of invasive fish in the park’s lakes. We’re also wrapping up a three-year project focused on monitoring and safeguarding plant species at risk within Gatineau Park. Our goal is to protect these vulnerable plants and ensure their survival.
Top Employer
For the fifth consecutive year, the National Capital Commission has been acknowledged as one of the ‘Top Employers in the National Capital Region.’ This recognition highlights our commitment to providing a positive and supportive work environment for our employees.