Question Period Note: High priority files with the National Capital Commission

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is the long-term planner and principal steward of significant public places, and a partner in the development, conservation and improvement of Canada’s National Capital Region (NCR).

Note: The official residences, which also fall under the NCC’s purview, are addressed in a separate note

• As a Crown corporation, the NCC operates at arm’s length from the Government of Canada
  • Nonetheless, the priorities of the Government are communicated to the NCC through an annual letter of expectations
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada works closely with the NCC, the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, and other partners to ensure that Canada's Capital is a dynamic and inspiring source of pride for all Canadians

If pressed on the design concept for the Alexandra Bridge replacement:

• The Government of Canada recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the Alexandra Bridge. The new bridge design will pay careful attention to the history and unique setting of the existing Alexandra Bridge
• In early 2025, the preferred design concept was selected following a comprehensive evaluation process and feedback from the public, stakeholders, partners and Indigenous communities
• The design will be refined to integrate elements that people appreciated about the other concepts and mitigate weaknesses identified during the evaluation process

If pressed on an additional National Capital Region crossing:

• Public Services and Procurement Canada and the NCC are working in close collaboration through the dedicated project office to coordinate the gathering of new information to help the Government of Canada consider options for a new Eastern Bridge

If pressed on interprovincial tramway connections:

• As announced in Budget 2021, the NCC has established an interprovincial transit project office that will study and plan for potential interprovincial tramway connections between Ottawa and Gatineau, in addition to consulting and collaborating with municipal, provincial, and transportation partners

If pressed on protecting green spaces, including Gatineau Park:

• The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining and enhancing green spaces for future generations, including in Gatineau Park
• Previous attempts to establish clear boundaries, safeguard ecological integrity and biodiversity, and establish a mechanism for acquiring privately-owned lands within the park, through legislation did not succeed
• Nonetheless, with the $35 million allocated to the NCC through Budget 2021, the NCC will continue to acquire and maintain key strategic lands and assets in the National Capital Region as part of a broader effort to advance environmental sustainability and ecological integrity

Regional Development

The NCC collaborates closely with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. Their joint efforts span various areas, including urban planning, transportation, tourism, and regional development.

Since April 2016, the mayors of Ottawa and Gatineau have held ex-officio, non-voting seats on the board of directors of the NCC. This allows them to participate in all board meetings and contribute to discussions without having a formal vote.
The NCC’s National Capital Core Area Plan has been shaping major projects on federal lands in the capital’s core area. The current plan’s vision, policy and project horizon extend until 2025, but much has changed since its approval in 2005. The NCC is now reviewing the plan to adapt it to current needs and address new priorities and challenges.

Interprovincial Bridges

Of the 5 interprovincial crossings in the NCR, Public Services and Procurement Canada manages and operates the Alexandra Bridge, Chaudière Crossing and the Macdonald-Cartier Bridge. The NCC manages and operates the Champlain Bridge and the Portage Bridge.

Budget 2019 provided direction for refreshing technical studies on a potential additional interprovincial crossing in the National Capital Region and developing a Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan.

In January 2022, the NCC’s board approved the Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan, that was developed in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, la Ville de Gatineau, the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, transit authorities, and other stakeholders, outlining the transportation vision for the area to the year 2050.

Alexandra Bridge Replacement

The Alexandra Bridge, over 120 years old, is nearing the end of its operational life. It handles about 9% of vehicular traffic and 40% of pedestrian and cyclist crossings. The Bridge Replacement Project is led by an Integrated Project Team, comprised of multidisciplinary Public Services and Procurement Canada and NCC resources, and consultants. In October 2024, the NCC held public consultations on three shortlisted design concepts for the Alexandra Bridge replacement; the NCC board of directors approved the winning design in January 2025 on the recommendation of the Integrated Project Team. An independent panel of experts also had provided their insights on the three conceptual design options.

The deconstruction and construction period for the new bridge is anticipated to occur between 2028 and 2032.

Ottawa-Gatineau Tramway (TramGo)

In June 2024, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec announced a joint investment of $163.5 million for the planning phase of a tramway project between the west of Gatineau and downtown Ottawa to meet expected growth in user demand over the next 15 years.

In March 2025, the Government of Canada allocated an additional $31.6 million to the NCC for feasibility studies on the 2-kilometre federal and Ontario segments of the Gatineau-Ottawa tramway project, completing funding for the entire 24-kilometre route.

Protecting Green Spaces

Protection and conservation of greenspace in the NCR is a key component of the NCC’s stewardship mandate. It is the steward of over 600km2 of land in the NCR, 70% of which is greenspace.

The NCC is responsible for the Gatineau Park Master Plan (2021), which outlines conservation and planning goals for Canada’s second most visited park. The Plan calls for legislative protections and an update to the technical description of boundaries.

The NCC also manages and owns the majority of the Greenbelt, a 200 km2 area surrounding Ottawa. The NCC’s Greenbelt Master Plan (2013) provides the strategic policy guidance for land use, programming and landscape character to ensure the long‐term relevance and quality of the Greenbelt.

• The NCC manages and develops federal lands/assets in the NCR and manages public places that are unique to Canada’s symbolic, natural and cultural heritage
  • It owns and manages 11% of all land in the NCR, with a total replacement value of $2.2 billion, including six official residences, 1,000 buildings, 145 bridges (including the Champlain Bridge and the Portage Bridge), 425 km of parkways and pathways, Gatineau Park (361 km2), the Greenbelt (200 km2), 23 urban parks, and 65 commemorations and public art displays