Question Period Note: National Capital Commission

The National Capital Commission’s (NCC) high profile files include interprovincial bridges, Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt and regulating the use and development of federal lands via a process called the Federal Land Use Design and Transaction Approval.

• The National Capital Commission is a Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from the federal government but receives its policy direction from the government
  • The government of Canada communicates its priorities to the National Capital Commission through an annual letter of expectations from the Minister
  • Public Services and Procurement Canada will continue to work in collaboration with the National Capital Commission to advance priority files including interprovincial crossings, protecting green spaces, the Ottawa-Gatineau Tramway, LeBreton flats redevelopment, and streamlining the Federal Land Use Design and Transaction Approval process

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.

Interprovincial Bridges

Of the 5 interprovincial crossings in the NCR, Public Services and PSPC 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.

The NCC developed the Long-Term Integrated Interprovincial Crossings Plan, 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.

In 2019, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) was mandated to replace the Alexandra Bridge. The NCC is part of the integrated project team for this initiative and is responsible for leading a comprehensive engagement process as well as evaluating design concepts and leading on studies.

Protecting Green Spaces

Protection and conservation of greenspace in the NCR is a key component of the NCC’s stewardship mandate. They steward over 600km2 of land in the NCR, 70 % of which is greenspace. The NCC’s fulfill it’s mandate in alignment with the Government of Canada’s broader policy objectives.

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, which will be in effect for approximately 10 years, presents the directions and strategies for the Park. This Plan calls for legislative protections and an update to the technical description of boundaries, which has been echoed by public and local politicians.

The NCC 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 Federal Land Use, Design and Transaction Approvals (FLUDTA) process

The National Capital Act requires all individuals and federal organizations to obtain NCC approval before undertaking projects if the project affects federal lands and/or federal buildings or if the project is on non-federal land but the proponent is a federal organization. The FLUDTA process is how the NCC reviews and approves these projects, ensuring they align with the region's character and national significance.

The FLUDTA process ensures that projects on federal lands, or those proposed by federal entities, contribute to the Capital's national significance and character. This includes reviewing land use, design, and land transaction proposals.

The NCC charges fees to recover the costs associated with the implementation of the FLUDTA process. Several proponents have highlighted the financial impacts of these requirements and expressed challenges navigating the process.

LeBreton Flats Redevelopment

The NCC launched the Building LeBreton initiative in March 2019 to transform LeBreton Flats, a 29-hectare site west of Centretown Ottawa, into a vibrant, complete community. The Master Concept Plan was officially approved by the NCC Board on April 22, 2021.

• Library Parcel development: In partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the NCC selected Dream LeBreton in 2022 to develop the Library Parcel. This project will deliver 608 rental units, with 41 % designated as affordable housing. Construction began in 2024, with occupancy expected by early 2027
• Flats Phase development: In early 2024, the NCC signed a letter of intent with Cogir and Avenue 31 to build 900+ housing units on 1.63 hectares across from the Canadian War Museum
• Major Events Centre: The NCC and Capital Sports Development Inc. reached an agreement to sell 11 acres for a new arena district, including mixed-use development

These developments contribute to the Master Plan’s goal of creating 6,000 housing units, 25 % of which will be affordable, and revitalizing Ottawa-Gatineau’s downtown core. Since 2022, over 2,000 housing units and new retail/commercial spaces have been initiated.

The NCC recognizes the Algonquin Nation as an important partner in the redevelopment. Ongoing discussions aim to ensure long-term benefits, including opportunities for Algonquin workers and businesses, and to establish the Nation as a true partner in this transformational project.

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.

• The NCC 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
  • Through Budget 2021, NCC received $35 million to support the acquisition and upkeep of federal assets, green infrastructure, and spaces in the NCR
  • The 2024 Fall Economic Statement provide the NCC with $31.6 million to complete feasibility studies for the 2-kilometer federal and Ontario portions of the Gatineau-Ottawa tram project