Virtual Board of Directors Meeting

The NCC’s 2025–2026 Sustainable Development Strategy Annual Report has been approved by the Board of Directors. This report explains how the NCC is working to make the National Capital Region greener, more sustainable, and more resilient to climate change. 

About the annual report 

Overall, progress has been significant. The NCC has advanced 31 of its 33 targets, including 16 that have been achieved. Here is an overview of the results: 

• Clean electricity: The NCC now uses electricity from 100% clean energy sources for its buildings.
• Emissions reduction: Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 52% since 2005.
• Climate action: Most short-term measures in the Climate Adaptation Plan have been implemented or are underway.
• Greener fleet: 27% of its light-duty vehicle fleet is now zero-emission.
• Nature protection: More than 44,800 trees have been planted since 2021, including 11,500 this year.
• Sustainable food production: The Sustainable Agriculture and Food Strategy has been finalized to support local agricultural businesses in producing healthy food. 

Next steps 

The NCC will continue implementing its strategy to reduce emissions, better adapt to climate change, and integrate sustainability into all its activities. The NCC will also develop its next Sustainable Development Strategy (2027–2030) in the coming year. 

The Board of Directors received a presentation on the renewal of the Gatineau Park Ecosystem Conservation Plan. The current plan dates back to 2010. After 15 years, it needs to be updated to reflect new knowledge, changes in ecosystems, and emerging threats. 

About the plan renewal 

The new plan will aim to continue protecting ecosystems, maintain biodiversity, and ensure the park’s ecological health, while allowing people to continue enjoying it. 

The renewal, launched in 2025, aims to: 

• review past actions;
• enhance certain measures;
• adapt priorities to current realities;
• align the plan with the 2021 Gatineau Park Master Plan. 

The process will take two years and is based on collaboration with experts, partners, Indigenous communities, and the public. Consultations have already taken place in 2026, including workshops and a public survey. 

Next steps 

A draft plan will be developed in summer 2026. Additional consultations are planned for the fall, and the final version of the plan is expected in spring 2027. 

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the Canada Lands Company (CLS) Site Master Plan for Confederation Heights and for the disposal of seven Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) properties at Confederation Heights, in Ottawa.

About the Plan  

The Confederation Heights Master Plan sets out a 25-year vision to transform this single-use federal employment area into a mixed-use, transit-oriented community with a reduced federal presence. The site includes nine properties that are no longer required within PSPC’s federal portfolio. With this approval, all of the properties have now been approved for disposal.  

Next steps  

The implementation of the Confederation Heights Master Plan will be governed through the municipal permitting process. 

The NCC Board of Directors has granted Federal Land Use and Design Approval to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) for the planning and design principles of the bridge in the eastern part of the National Capital Region. These principles will provide guidelines to help the project team develop concepts for the future bridge.

About

In fall 2024, the Government of Canada decided to move forward with the next stage of planning for a new interprovincial bridge in the Montée Paiement–Aviation Parkway corridor. The new corridor will extend from Highway 50 at Montée Paiement in Gatineau to Highway 417 at the Aviation Parkway in Ottawa.

Next steps

As the project lead, PSPC will be responsible for identifying and advancing a preferred concept for the new bridge. The design will be submitted to the NCC Board of Directors for approval, in accordance with the National Capital Act and the NCC’s regulatory authority for federal approvals. 

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the Federal Land Use and Design Approval (FLUDA) for the 100% Landscape Developed Design for Public Services and Procurement Canada’s (PSPC) Centre Block Project.

About the Rehabilitation Program  

This project is the largest and most complex of its kind in Canada. It will modernize existing parliamentary operations and provide new parliamentary capabilities, including a world-class visitor experience. The new landscape will feature a universally accessible entrance to the Parliamentary Welcome Centre, granite and limestone paving and native plants and trees that reflect the character of the region. Broader improvements to the grounds will create a weaving, accessible path along the Parliamentary Plateau, leading to dynamic views that highlight the Ottawa River landscape.

Next steps  

Main construction for the Centre Block Project will be completed between 2030 and 2031. The Centre Block will reopen about one year later.  

The NCC Board of Directors has approved Volume II of the National Core Area Plan.  

The purpose of Volume II is to guide project initiation and federal approvals through clear sector-specific opportunities and criteria, including policies for land-use, urban design and development. It also provides direction on implementation and monitoring the plan’s success in the future.

About the Plan  

In June 2025, the NCC Board of Directors approved Volume I of the Plan, after extensive public and stakeholder consultations, and engagement with Algonquin elders. Together, Volume I and II constitute a complete plan for the National Capital Core Area. The plan is the principal land-use and design policy document for the most important federal sites within the heart of the National Capital.  

Next steps  

The NCC will also work closely with its partners to advance this plan, identify shared priorities and support progress in ways that respect roles, responsibilities and jurisdictions.

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the name “Confluence Park” for a new public park being built on the Kruger Products site in Gatineau.  

About the name

The name was chosen because it reflects the area’s unique character. The word “confluence” means merging and coming together. It represents:

• The meeting of rivers near Chaudière Falls
• The long history of Indigenous peoples using the river for travel and trade
• The site’s industrial past (such as timber and paper production)
• The mix of natural, cultural, and social history in the area

The choice of the word confluence encompasses the natural, cultural and historical dimension of the site, without giving privilege a single moment or perspective.  

The park itself will offer public access to the shoreline, walking paths, trees, lighting, and seating areas. It will also include information about the site’s history.

Next steps

The park is expected to open in fall 2026. The NCC will continue to strengthen its collaboration with Algonquin First Nations by exploring an Algonquin translation of the park name and identifying opportunities to enhance on-site interpretation.