With positive indicators for 28 of the 36 planned actions, the first annual report on the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) new Sustainable Development Strategy shows early successes and steady progress.

Tabled today at the public meeting of the NCC Board of Directors, the report follows the launch last fall of the new strategy. As well as preserving the region’s natural environment for future generations, the Sustainable Development Strategy’s six principles and 36 actions aim to improve access to green spaces, support sustainable transportation, foster regional food security and ensure that our planning efforts work to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events.


Highlights of the 2018–2019 Sustainable Development Strategy Annual Report

Under the Low-Carbon Government Goal

• The NCC has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 58 percent based on a 2005 baseline, exceeding the target of a 40 percent reduction by 2030. (Almost half of the reduction, 45 percent, is due to a cleaner Ontario electrical grid).
• A full 13 percent of the reduction comes from improved efficiency in NCC operations.

Under the Effective Action Against Climate Change Goal

• In partnership with the City of Ottawa, and in collaboration with the Ville de Gatineau and Environment and Climate Change Canada, the NCC has launched a project to acquire and analyze climate change projections for the National Capital Region.
• Data will be used to assess key services, programs and assets in terms of climate change vulnerability and risk.
• A report will be presented to the general public and regional stakeholders in winter 2020.

Under the Sustainably Managed Lands and Forests Goal

• The City of Ottawa, Ville de Gatineau and NCC completed a tree canopy assessment for their lands.
• Forty-six percent of City of Ottawa, Ville de Gatineau and NCC lands are covered by forests and trees.
• NCC green spaces greatly increase the overall canopy of Canada’s Capital Region.

QUICK FACTS

• The strategy contributes to 10 of the 13 goals of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.

• The NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy reflects the NCC’s commitment to protecting our natural and cultural heritage: improving health and well-being; and working with partners, stakeholders and the public to continue building a greener and more sustainable Capital Region.

• It is founded on six principles: leadership, public participation, social equity, collaboration, valuing natural capital in decision making, transparency and accountability.

• The strategy is supported by 36 actions, focusing on climate change action, building resilient infrastructure, protecting biodiversity and water quality, promoting sustainable agriculture and safe and healthy communities, and connecting Canadians with nature.

QUOTE

“We're very proud of the NCC's ambitious Sustainable Development Strategy, and I'm pleased to say that since its implementation last year we are already able to measure the ways it is making our Capital healthier, more resilient, and more environmentally sound. It has proven to be indispensable to the NCC's mandate to protect and preserve the Capital's natural beauty and heritage for generations to come. ”
—Tobi Nussbaum, Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission

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