Public Board of Directors Meeting

The Board of Directors has approved the NCC’s updated National Capital Core Area Plan. This visionary document will guide the development and transformation of Canada’s most iconic buildings and lands over the next 25 years. The new Core Area Plan is the result of extensive public consultation and dedicated planning, and includes proposed projects to enhance the beauty, vibrancy and majesty of Canada’s capital, while also addressing issues such as climate resilience, economic development, accessibility and reconciliation.

The draft of the 2024–2025 Sustainable Development Strategy annual report was approved by the Board of Directors. The final report will be sent to Public Services and Procurement Canada for tabling in Parliament this summer. It will be made public after it is tabled.

The Sustainable Development Strategy includes a series of actions that contribute to the development of sustainable communities, responsible consumption, action on climate change, and the natural capital.

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the final design for the National Monument to Canada’s Mission in Afghanistan. The winning concept was designed by Team Stimson. It draws on the teachings of the medicine wheel: engaging the mind, touching the heart, connecting to the great mystery and healing the body. The design takes the form of a circular, sacred space of safety—a “home base” of reflection, memory and contemplation.

The monument will be located at LeBreton Flats, across from the Canadian War Museum. It will recognize the commitment and sacrifice of the more than 40,000 Canadians who served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014, and the support provided to them at home by their families, peers and communities.

Veterans Affairs Canada is the federal project proponent, and Canadian Heritage is the project lead. The National Capital Commission (NCC) is the federal agency responsible for federal land use and design approval for new commemorative works on federal lands in Canada’s National Capital Region.

The NCC Board of Directors has approved the 50% schematic design for the Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Block 2 redevelopment project. This early design phase generally outlines the proposed concept that will be further refined during the design development phase.

The Block 2 project will renew the city block located in downtown Ottawa across from Parliament Hill, an area bordered by Wellington, Metcalfe, O'Connor and Sparks streets. The project aims to transform this mix of aging buildings and vacant parcels of land into an innovative complex that will meet the needs of a 21st-century Parliament.

The redesigned block will:

• provide office space for the Senate and House of Commons;
• allow for the future consolidation of parliamentary accommodations; and
• include renovated retail space on the Sparks Street Mall.

PSPC will seek further approvals as the project moves forward. The next major milestone is the 100% developed design, which will enable full project implementation.