The Sustainable Development Strategy outlines the NCC's role in creating a greener, healthier and more sustainable National Capital Region. It is our roadmap and our commitment to present and future generations.
We are currently working on the version that will cover the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2028. This new version will be fully aligned with the targets of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.
Priorities and targets
The new strategy will focus on the following priorities. For each of these priorities, we have provided examples of actions.
Reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples
- Support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into NCC projects and working towards organizational Indigenous cultural competency.
Sustainable transportation
- Improve the year-round active mobility offer in the National Capital Region.
Access to green spaces
- Promote equitable and sustainable access to NCC greenspaces while also developing new greenspaces and enhancing existing greenspaces, where in line with NCC master plans.
- Provide opportunities for the public to participate in citizen science, conservation management and cultural programs on NCC lands.
Responsible consumption
- Green NCC procurement contracts and work towards net-zero emissions for the purchase of goods and services by 2050.
- Divert 90% of NCC construction and demolition waste and 75% of operational waste.
Fight against climate change
- Reduce carbon emissions from NCC buildings and fleet by 40% by 2025, from a 2005–-2006 baseline, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Use 100% clean electricity by 2025.
- Ensure all new NCC buildings are net-zero emissions and major retrofits prioritize reduction of greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
- Assess the risk of climate change to NCC assets, programs and operations, and take action to mitigate the highest risks.
- Transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and ecosystem-sensitive land maintenance operations.
Sustainable agriculture
- Increase the amount of NCC agricultural land used for food production.
Affordable housing
- Support affordable housing in the National Capital Region through the NCC’s master planning process.
Nature and wildlife conservation
- Protect ecological corridors adjacent to Gatineau Park.
- Reduce the risk of bird collisions with NCC buildings.
- Maintain the tree canopy and plant 100,000 trees on NCC lands by 2027.
We will continue refining our internal processes to ensure that sustainability is integrated into all areas of our business. We will also continue to work closely with our key regional partners, such as the City of Ottawa and the City of Gatineau.
Process and timeline
2023
- Spring: Discussions with regional partners
- Summer: Board approval of the strategy
- Fall: Strategy tabled in Parliament
2024
- Spring: Implementation of the strategy