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LeBreton Flats offers a unique opportunity to create an exciting destination and a dynamic new community in the heart of the Capital.

The NCC has created a renewed vision for this 29-hectare site, and is in the process of bringing it to life. Through this project, the NCC will create a dynamic Capital destination and a complete community where people can live, work and play.

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The latest on the project

Library Parcel development

On October 30, 2020, the NCC launched the first step in the procurement process to develop a section of LeBreton Flats called the Library Parcel. In this initial step of the two-stage procurement process, the request for qualifications focuses on a one-hectare site at the corner of Booth and Albert streets, near the future Ottawa Public Library–Library and Archives Canada joint facility.

Library Parcel development

Preliminary Master Concept Plan

On January 23, 2020, the NCC Board of Directors approved the preliminary Master Concept Plan for LeBreton Flats. This version is based on input from the public and key stakeholders.

This plan will guide the implementation of the project in a strategically phased approach over the coming decades. A final version of the plan will be considered for approval by the NCC’s Board of Directors in the winter of 2020–2021.

Public advisory group

The NCC has established a public advisory group, which held its first meeting in September 2020. The members of this group will give the NCC continuous input related to their areas of expertise:

  • affordable housing
  • health and well-being
  • culture and tourism
  • heritage, construction and labour
  • active transportation
  • the local community and businesses

This will help ensure that social, environmental and economic benefits are achieved throughout the project.

About the project

LeBreton Flats is a 29-hectare site anchored by two LRT stations at Pimisi and Bayview, aqueduct water features, and Nepean Inlet, with access to the Ottawa River.

Guiding principles

The project objectives will be based on the following guiding principles.

Enhance the Capital Experience
Reflect the national significance of LeBreton Flats by creating an ambitious new Capital destination that celebrates Canada.
Build Community
Create an inclusive place where anyone can live, work and play. Provide for facilities, services and public spaces that are active, lively and flexible and that contribute to community health and well-being.
Value Nature
Prioritize the importance of the environment through design that restores, enhances and protects the natural features of the site, and provides greater accessibility to waterways. Utilize green infrastructure, promote biodiversity and create new green spaces.
Create Connections
Connect people and place by creating interactive public spaces and linking to amenities and surrounding communities. Build on access to LRT, and establish active transportation networks using a Vision Zero approach.
Foster Sustainability and Innovation
Embed a culture of excellence throughout the life cycle of the project, and provide opportunities for innovation in design and sustainability. Build in climate mitigation and resiliency measures to aim to achieve a zero carbon community.
Honour the Past
Honour and interpret the role LeBreton Flats has played as a place of significance for Indigenous peoples and in the development of the Capital, and connect this story to the site’s future. Recognize the lasting effects of important milestones such as the community’s expropriation.
Make It Happen
Ground the vision in a strategic implementation approach supported by market feasibility. Consult with the public and collaborate with partners to support timely progress and generate social, environmental and economic returns.

Process and timeline

The Building LeBreton project was launched in March 2019 and is ongoing. The NCC is now moving forward with implementation planning, technical studies and municipal applications.

The Building LeBreton project was launched following the cancellation of the previous LeBreton redevelopment project.
The first public consultation on the Building LeBreton project was held from June 18 to July 2.

Outreach to key stakeholders is ongoing, including arts, culture and heritage groups, affordable housing providers and advocates, home builders, institutions, and other community groups.

Outreach to key stakeholders is ongoing, including arts, culture and heritage groups, affordable housing providers and advocates, home builders, institutions and other community groups.

Following a competitive process, the NCC hired a team of experts led by 02 Planning + Design. 02 launched an integrated design process informed by input from the public consultation.
A second public consultation on the draft Master Concept Plan was held November 21 to December 6.
On January 23, 2020, the NCC Board of Directors approved the preliminary Master Concept Plan for LeBreton Flats.

The NCC will develop remaining strategies for the final Master Concept Plan.

The NCC launches a call for proposals to develop a section of LeBreton Flats adjacent to the future Ottawa Public Library–Library and Archives Canada joint facility.

The City of Ottawa is expected to consider an application to amend the Official Plan to implement the policies in the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan.

The final LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan will be considered for approval by the NCC’s Board of Directors in the winter of 2021.

A world-class project

The Building LeBreton project builds on past experience and global best practices to create a lively fusion of world-class public-realm amenities with residential, commercial, cultural and social elements.

Here are some other cities we are looking to for inspiration:

Click here for the full slideshow.

Public and economic benefits

The Building LeBreton project is founded on important public and economic benefits. These include providing affordable housing, remediation of contaminated soil, creation of parks and public spaces, and supporting transit use and active transportation.

Based on a study commissioned by the NCC, it is estimated that construction spending over 30 years will contribute about $13.2 billion (in 2020 dollars) to the Canadian economy, generating millions in taxes each year. Each dollar spent during construction will have an impact of $3.57 to the Canadian economy.

During construction, the project will create 1,743 construction jobs per year.

The municipal and federal governments will also benefit from significant annual revenue (in 2020 dollars):

  • Average $1.2 million in development charges per year to the City during construction;
  • $13.7 million in annual property taxes to the City after build-out; and
  • $20.3 million in annual federal income tax during construction.

See the executive summary for more details.

History of LeBreton Flats

The NCC became custodian of LeBreton Flats in the early 1960s. This site, located just 1.5 kilometres west of the Capital’s Parliamentary Precinct and central business district, is steeped in Canada’s history.

A look at the history and regional context of an evolving space

within Canada’s Capital Region.

Launch the Interactive Map

Related Projects

Fleck Fountain Plaza

Replacement of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway LeBreton Bridge

Memories of LeBreton Flats

Documents