Virtual Board of Directors Meeting

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the 100% Developed Design for the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program. It is the most complex heritage rehabilitation ever undertaken in Canada by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). 

The approval covers the proposed interior design of the Parliament Welcome Centre and Centre Block's enclosed east and west light courts. 

The NCC plays a key role in overseeing the rehabilitation, conservation and development of the Parliamentary Precinct, making sure it aligns with federal planning policies and preserves the heritage value, cultural significance and the role it plays within the National Capital Region. 

Key features of the approved design 

The CBRP project involves upgrading the historic building and surrounding site to meet current and future needs. The approved design features:  

- A welcoming new visitor arrival sequence connecting Wellington Street to Centre Block. 
- Rehabilitation and restoration of Centre Block's historic architecture and natural light. 
- Design elements that reflect Indigenous and Canadian stories, landscapes and histories. 
- New elevators, stairways, atriums and skylights to improve accessibility and circulation. 
- Modern systems  that advance sustainability while respecting Centre Block's heritage character. 

Next steps  

Construction is expected to be completed between 2030 and 2031. Occupancy of Centre Block and the opening of the Parliament Welcome Centre are anticipated between 2031 and 2032. 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) Board of Directors has approved the 100% Developed Design for the new Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) Hub at 1191 Montreal Road. The project is considered consistent with NCC planning policies and previous design review recommendations. 

About the design 

The project is located on the National Research Council Montreal Road Campus. The proposed TSTS Hub will be built on the north side of the campus and promote a connected, people-focused and sustainable science campus integrated with surrounding communities. 

The four-storey facility will house laboratories, offices, collaboration spaces and public areas. The approved design will include:  

- Sustainable design features, including native plantings, stormwater management, and energy-efficient building systems. 
- Indigenous-inspired landscape elements, reflecting themes of air, land and water and incorporating storytelling features that connect to transportation and scientific research. 
- Universal accessibility throughout the site and building, with accessible entrances, pathways, wayfinding features and barrier-free connections to outdoor spaces. 
- Enhanced outdoor spaces, with plazas, seating areas, accessible pathways and improved walking and cycling connections that support a more people-focused campus environment. 

Next steps 

Construction of the new building is expected to begin in fall 2026, with substantial completion anticipated in spring 2031. 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) Board of Directors has approved the 100% Developed Design for the TerraCanada National Capital Area Lab Facility Component 1, which will be located at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) Campus at 1200 Montreal Road. 

The proposal was submitted by Public Services and Procurement Canada as part of the Laboratories Canada initiative to strengthen federal science through collaboration by bringing scientists together in built-to-last facilities.  

The new facility will provide specialized laboratories and office space for approximately 490 staff working on critical minerals, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and oversight of the nuclear industry. 

About 

The Component 1 site is located along the eastern edge of the southern part of the NRC Montreal Road Campus, between Mackenzie Drive, Ballard Drive, and Blair Road. Developed in collaboration with Indigenous stakeholders, the design weaves contemporary ecological practices with Indigenous knowledge systems. 

Key features include: 

- A three-storey building including office space, laboratories, and collaborative spaces 
- Parking areas, multi-use pathways, and facilities to encourage active transportation 
- Indigenous gathering and GeoHeritage areas, interconnected water garden swales, and naturalized plantings 
- Design elements inspired by Algonquin teachings 

Next steps 

Construction is due to begin in summer 2027, with substantial completion expected by fall 2030. 

The National Capital Commission (NCC) Board of Directors was presented with an update on the NCC Sustainable Agriculture and Food Strategy, which will guide the future of farming in the Greenbelt and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system in the National Capital Region. The goal is to make NCC farms more sustainable, community-focused, and resilient to climate change.  

About the strategy 

The NCC wants to encourage farming that produces food for local residents, supports environmental stewardship, and makes better use of NCC farm buildings and lands. 

In assessing agricultural proposals, the NCC considers six key sustainability criteria:

- Farmer residence on the NCC land being farmed 
- Maintenance and use of existing farm buildings and infrastructure 
- Local sale of farm products
- Agritourism or educational experiences 
- Food production for human consumption 
- Sustainable farming practices 

To help farmer tenants make this transition, the NCC plans to introduce funding and financing tools tailored to agricultural tenants. These supports would help farmers invest in their operations, improve existing and build new infrastructure, and adopt more sustainable practices. 

The long-term vision is a Greenbelt where the public can easily access and enjoy local farms, buy fresh products and connect with the landscape. The Strategy is also intended to strengthen local food production, support farm businesses, and improve environmental outcomes across the NCC agricultural portfolio. 

Next steps 

Once the strategy is final, the NCC will undertake outreach with current and prospective tenants, as well as the broader agricultural sector. The sustainability criteria will be applied to new and existing farm leases to determine their level of sustainability readiness and to assess the optimal funding strategy. The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Strategy will be available on the NCC Website soon.