News release
November 17, 2025
National Capital Region — The National Capital Commission (NCC) launches season 12 of its Urbanism Lab series on Wednesday, November 19.
The NCC’s Urbanism Lab is a forum for innovative and interactive discussions on urbanism and architecture. Speakers include Canadian and international leaders in urbanism, design, heritage and conservation, sustainability, and placemaking.
Season 12 features discussions on topics including:
- The future of rail transportation in Canada
- Science and research in Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt
- Identity, value and land use of the Greenbelt
- 2026 Urban Design Challenge for students across the country
- Public sector solutions to housing affordability
Urbanism Lab 1
High-Speed Rail in Canada: The Future of Interurban Transportation
Join us for a discussion on how cities can leverage high-speed rail as a tool to reinforce connections between metropolitan areas. Internationally recognized subject matter experts will showcase case studies from around the world and discuss the challenges and potential opportunities associated with major inter-urban rail projects.
Presented in partnership with the French Embassy in Canada.
Date and time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 11:30 am to 1 pm
Location: National Arts Centre, O'Born Room (second floor) 1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
Speakers:
- Antoine Normandin, Director of Transportation Planning, National Capital Commission (moderator)
- David Cook, Vice President, Systems Interfaces, Alto
- Mélanie-Lan Dorémus, Studio Director, Building and Design Division, AREP (France)
- Valérie Facchinetti, Professor, Geography Department, Université Bourgogne Europe in Dijon (France)
- Marc-Olivier Ranger, Chief Strategic Policy and Partnerships Officer, Alto
Events are bilingual.
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