In Capital Stories, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and guests dive deeply into the ins and outs of our nation’s capital. Follow along as they explore Ottawa-Gatineau’s evolution from a quaint lumber town to the bustling, dynamic capital city we know today.
Through conversations with historians, urban planners, architects and others, this podcast series talks about all things past, present and future in Canada’s beautiful national capital.
Tune in to hear the stories that make our capital truly captivating.
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Episodes
Episode 1 – Then and Now
For 125 years, the NCC’s story has been one of continuity and evolution, shaped by the endeavours of visionary leaders past and present. In this episode we dive into the Todd Plan, the Holt Report and the work of Jacques Gréber.
What defines an inspiring capital? Is it the grandeur of its architecture, the beauty of its landscapes, the allure of its public spaces or something else entirely? These are a few of the questions that will set the scene for a great conversation with our historian and experts and showcase that the NCC transcends mere historical significance; it thrives today due to the collective efforts of its staff and experts.
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- Heather Thomson, Heritage Program Manager, NCC
- Barry Padolsky, Heritage Architect
A conversation on the same topic is also available in French. Listen to Capital Stories – Episode 1 (D’hier à aujourd’hui) today!
Episode 2 – The Lungs of the Capital: Greenbelt
The NCC is the proud steward of the Greenbelt, a 20,000-hectare horseshoe-shaped green space south of Ottawa’s urban core.
The Greenbelt was created in the 1950s to protect the rural land bordering the Capital from urban sprawl. Today, it protects natural areas like forests, wetlands, streams and sand dunes. It also sustains biodiversity and brings many benefits to the community.
In this episode, Tobi and his guest meet at Mer Bleue to talk about the challenges and the importance of the Greenbelt.
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- Alexander Stone, Biologist, NCC
Episode 3 – The Lungs of the Capital: Gatineau Park
The NCC is the proud steward of the Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the National Capital Region, covering 361 square kilometres, and the second-most visited park in Canada.
In this episode, Tobi and his guests talk about the fine balance in managing a conservation park that boasts rich and unique biodiversity while also hosting thousands of people every year for summer and winter activities. Join us as we explore the challenges of protecting this natural treasure for future generations!
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- Catherine Verreault, Director of Quebec Urban Lands and Gatineau Park, NCC
- Rachel Paquette, Program Officer, Nature Interpretation, NCC
Episode 4 – The Capital’s Waterways
Once a backwater lumber town, Ottawa is now one of the greenest capitals in the world. As the federal planner, the NCC is at the forefront of projects that embrace the waterfront. Initiatives such as the NCC River House, Kìwekì Point and the rehabilitation of the Westboro Beach pavilion are recent examples of this turn toward the water.
In this episode, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and his guests discuss how waterways have played—and continue to play—an essential role in the history of the National Capital Region.
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- Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Algonquin College
- Cristina Wood, Ph.D. candidate, York University
- Gary Meus, senior landscape architect, National Capital Commission
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