News Release

Published on January 23, 2020

Bringing a new community and Capital destination steps closer to realization

The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) Board of Directors today approved the preliminary Building LeBreton Master Concept Plan, which builds on the draft released in November 2019. This preliminary Master Concept Plan informed by international best practices and feedback from more than 5,000 Canadians and stakeholders lays the framework for how a dynamic new community and Capital destination will emerge at LeBreton Flats over the coming decades.

In this plan, four unique districts (Aqueduct District, Flats District, Albert District and Park District) will work together to make LeBreton Flats a thriving cultural hub and diverse community grounded in a sense of history and place. In the future implementation plan, these districts will be developed in phases and brought to life by the following three strategies.

  • Parks and Public Realm Strategy: A combination of thoughtfully designed and programmed parks, waterfront and public realm elements forms a continuous park space. Water forms the spine of this strategy, connecting LeBreton Flats from east to west through its heart at the Aqueduct District. 
  • Mobility Strategy: The primary modes of transportation throughout LeBreton Flats will be active. A universally accessible, transit-oriented, active-mode-priority neighbourhood will enable a fully urban lifestyle that provides for the daily needs of residents without requiring automobile travel.
  • Land Use Strategy: A thriving hub with diverse housing options, offices, shops, restaurants, services and cultural offerings will help cultivate a dynamic, mixed-use community, while remaining flexible to be able to adapt to changing needs and opportunities.

With the approval of the preliminary Master Concept Plan, the NCC will now move forward with an implementation and phasing strategy, which includes the completion of five additional strategies, as well as technical studies and municipal applications. 

Quick Facts

    • The Building LeBreton project was launched in March 2019. Following a competitive process, the NCC engaged 02 Planning + Design to assist in developing the Master Concept Plan through an integrated design process informed by input from public consultations.
    • Results from the November 2019 consultation found that the public is generally very supportive of the draft Master Concept Plan. However, key areas where input could be used in the future include the design of outdoor amenities and public spaces, incorporation of sustainability features, and inclusion of heritage and cultural elements.
    • Outreach to key stakeholders for the Building LeBreton project is ongoing, and includes arts, culture and heritage groups; affordable housing providers and advocates; the business and tourism sector; public and educational institutions; and other community groups.


Quote

“Anchored by Building LeBreton’s guiding principles, we hold the LeBreton Flats preliminary Master Concept Plan as a vision and a guide for a site with a vital role in the future of Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region. Moving forward, the NCC will continue to develop the plan’s details, begin its work on the approach to implementation and launch a request for proposals to develop the library parcel.”

Tobi Nussbaum, CEO, National Capital Commission


Next Steps

In order to steer this project through strategic implementation, one of the project’s guiding principles is “Make It Happen.” Below is a list of project milestones on the horizon for 2020.

  • Early 2020: Launch of the solicitation process for a portion of the Albert District at the northeast corner of Albert and Booth streets (library parcel)
  • Summer 2020: Completion of the phasing and implementation plan
  • Summer 2020: City of Ottawa expected to consider an application to amend the Official Plan to implement the policies in the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan
  • Fall 2020: NCC Board approval of the final Master Concept Plan
  • Late 2020: Begin the process to request development proposals for one or more subsequent parcels, based on the implementation strategy


Media information:

Mario Tremblay
Strategic Communications
613-239-5678, ext. 5665 (office)
613-859-9596 (mobile)
mario.tremblay@ncc-ccn.ca

Backgrounder: Districts

Driven by seven guiding principles, the Building LeBreton project embraces the role of LeBreton Flats as a part of the nation's capital, a destination for all, and a place for Ottawans to call home.

In the Master Concept Plan, four unique districts create a Capital destination and thriving mixed-use community that will celebrate liveability and placemaking year-round.

The Aqueduct District: A vibrant cultural hub and entertainment district spilling out onto public space along the two aqueducts, part of the historic Ottawa Waterworks Complex.

The Flats District: A predominantly residential community defined by intimate, pedestrian-oriented streets and a variety of housing types.

The Albert District: A mixed-use main street neighbourhood anchored by the future library to the east and a potential event centre or major facility to the west, the Albert District provides space for homes and offices, as well as shops and services along Albert Street.

The Park District: The Park District combines the community’s industrial heritage with its defining natural elements, creating a unique park and public realm experience that will draw visitors from near and far to the western end of the community.

Backgrounder: Development Targets

Once fully developed, LeBreton Flats will be both a destination experience and a complete community, meaning that residents will be able to meet all their daily needs within walking distance of where they live.

In order to achieve this objective, the following targets are intended to guide long-term development at LeBreton Flats to ensure that an appropriate mix of land uses is provided:

  • 29-hectare total plan area (71.7 acres)
  • 12.7 hectares (31.2 acres) of parks and open spaces (44 percent of total plan area)
  • 557,000 square metres (6 million square feet) of gross floor area
  • 418,000 square metres (4.5 million square feet) of residential space
  • 116,000 square metres (1.25 million square feet) of office space
  • 21,000 square metres (225,000 square feet) of retail space
  • 4,000 dwelling units
  • 7,200 residents (estimated population)
  • Up to 6,500 estimated jobs post-construction

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