Virtual public Board of Directors meeting

A presentation was made to the Board of Directors on Public Services and Procurement Canada’s strategy to develop a new accommodation hub for National Defence in Gatineau and other departments at the site of the former National Printing Bureau and Heating Plant, a classified heritage building located at 45 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard.

The project also includes rehabilitation of the building and redesign of the landscape to enhance the heritage features of the building and site. The project will aim to meet and, in some areas, exceed federal sustainability targets, and provide an opportunity to improve the surrounding residential community’s relationship with the site.

This proposal is generally aligned with the broad strategic policies and objectives of the Plan for Canada’s Capital and the Core Area Sector Plan.

The NCC will follow up on the development of a more robust heritage conservation approach (to be included in the request for proposals), as well as the design development for the new buildings and landscape, before seeking NCC Board approval.

A presentation was made to the Board of Directors on Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) preliminary design for project components of its Energy Services Acquisition Program . They include the following:

1. Reconstruction of the Cliff Plant. The design would include a stairway and elevator to provide access from the multi-use pathway to the top of the escarpment. The NCC, PSPC and Innovate Energy are exploring further improvements along the pathway connection.
2. Relocation of the Tunney’s Pasture Plant. This will ease the implementation of the transit-oriented, mixed-use development near the existing light rail transit station. It is consistent with the Tunney’s Pasture Master Plan approved by the NCC Board in 2014. The plant would be partially below grade, and would have a publicly accessible green roof.
3. A new river pump station on the shore at Jacques-Cartier Park. The pump station would draw river water to the site of the existing heating and cooling plant. The river pump station would be set in into the riverbank, and would have a green roof.
4. An alternative route for the extension of the distribution system between the Cliff Plant and Tunney’s Pasture. In the concept approval granted by the NCC in June 2018, the route was to be located largely under the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway and Wellington Street. To reduce costs and limit construction disruption, an alternative route has been proposed. It passes though LeBreton Flats, next to the parkway and north of Wellington Street. The NCC is collaborating with PSPC and Innovate Energy to make sure that the proposed route limits impact on existing NCC infrastructure, as well as existing and planned monuments.

Final designs will be presented to the NCC Board for approval in 2021 before construction.

The Board of Directors approved the Capital Pathway Strategic Plan. This renewed plan will revamp the NCC’s network of multi-use pathways over the next 10 years. Adaptations will address climate change, increased and diverse usage, collaborative management, and enhanced safety.

The goal is to ensure that the NCC continues to provide the best possible multi-use pathway network. The plan defines a bold vision for the Capital Pathway as “an exceptional pathway network where all can enjoy invigorating and inspiring experiences in the heart of magnificent Capital landscapes.”

Highlights of the new Capital Pathway Strategic Plan include the following:

• adding 90 km of new pathways to create links within the existing network;
• improving access to community facilities, schools and transit hubs;
• separating pedestrians from cyclists in busy areas;
• designs to better resist flooding, and using durable and green building techniques;
• ensuring that key destinations are identifiable, displaying municipal street addresses, and making navigation and drop-off easier for Para-Transpo and Paratransit services;
• supporting a diverse range of active winter activities.

On October 30th, the NCC will launch a first procurement process to develop a section of LeBreton Flats. This is a significant milestone in the Building LeBreton project.

This site in question is located next to the future Ottawa Public Library–Library and Archives Canada joint facility. It will be part of the existing Library Parcel vision. It is also steps from the Pimisi O-Train station, and offers remarkable opportunities for transit-oriented, mixed-use development, including homes, commercial spaces, retail and more.

Procurement process timeline:

• Step 1: Request for qualifications to seek development teams, October 30, 2020
• Step 2: Request for proposals, 2021
• Step 3: Ready for construction, as early as 2022

The development of the Library Parcel and the overall Building LeBreton project will generate significant economic benefits over the coming decades. It is estimated that construction spending over 30 years will contribute about $13.2 billion to the Canadian economy. It should generate (yearly):

• $13.7 million in municipal taxes
• $8 million in provincial taxes
• $20.3 million in federal income

These significant economic benefits add to other important benefits on which the project is founded. These include the development of affordable housing, remediation of contaminated soil, creation of parks and public spaces, and support for transit use and active transportation.