The NCC engaged with members of the public and stakeholders throughout the review process for the National Capital Core Area Plan. Engagement allowed the project team to receive and consider perspectives on the plan and promote awareness of the review process ahead of its approval by the NCC Board of Directors.

Background

Phase 1 (April to August 2023): Technical-level engagement with partner agencies and municipal governments.

Phase 2 (June to December 2023): Public-level engagement that received contributions through:

  • eight key informant interviews with community associations and BIAs;
  • two online and in-person public workshops;
  • four pop-up kiosks;
  • one public survey; and
  • one survey and three online meetings held as part of NCC Accessibility Plan consultations.

During Phase 2, the NCC also established and met with a Public Advisory Committee (PAC) to provide advice on both the plan’s emerging policies and the format and content of public engagement.

Phase 3 (May 2024 to March 2025): Public-level engagement that received contributions through:

  • one public workshop;
  • one public survey; and
  • one in-person and six online meetings with community associations and BIAs.

During Phase 3, the NCC also held another meeting with the Public Advisory Committee and received additional written feedback from community associations and stakeholders.

Phase 4 (May 2025): Public-level engagement that received contributions through:

  • one online public comment box.

During Phase 4, the NCC also received additional written feedback from community associations and stakeholders.

A final meeting with the Public Advisory Committee was held to review the final draft plan. The project team thanks the PAC for their contributions to this important plan.

What we heard

As part of Phase 2, public engagement participants were asked to comment on a series of proposed big moves and central themes for the new plan. The big moves and themes were developed through consultation with internal and external stakeholders and partners. These are some of the highlights of what we heard:

Big moves

  • Turn toward the water and shorelines: Revitalize, further develop and improve accessibility of core area waterways, while addressing climate change.
  • Create new spaces: Leverage existing buildings and spaces and create new spaces and accessible amenities to revitalize the core area post-pandemic.
  • Shift towards sustainable mobility: Prioritize active and public spaces while adding more amenities and clearer wayfinding. An additional crossing located outside the core area could help alleviate downtown traffic challenges for residents and visitors.

Central themes

  • Democracy and meaning: Reflect Indigenous history and culture among Canada’s democratic institutions as defining features of the core area. Consider repurposing underused federal buildings for community uses.
  • Beauty and majesty: Highlight the beauty of natural landscapes and architecture by improving access to pathways and animating public spaces. Increase access to beautiful public spaces through improved active and public transit.
  • Sustainability and resilience: Accelerate climate change mitigation efforts through more sustainable transportation and greener energy sources.
  • Vibrancy and animation: Encourage a variety of creative and accessible all-season animation opportunities in the core area and encourage attendance by improving active, public, and accessible transit options. Encourage more use of public spaces by addressing social and safety challenges.
  • Thriving economy: Revitalizing the downtown and improving services are important to boost its economic potential and make it a tourism and commercial destination.

As part of Phase 3, members of the public and stakeholders were asked for feedback on the themes, concept and sectors that framed the recommendations of the renewed plan.

Themes

As part of the feedback heard during Phase 2, a sixth theme, Mobility and Access, was added.

Many respondents appreciated the updated themes, agreeing that they reflected feedback provided during Phase 2 around accessibility, sustainability, and vibrancy.

Concepts

  • Capital waterfront: feedback highlighted the importance of creating lively, accessible, and sustainable public spaces that improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors.
  • Capital open space: respondents supported the propose key opportunities, appreciating the focus on outdoor recreation and play.
  • Capital fabric: respondents are generally supportive of the five key opportunities, specifically for mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly developments that respect historical contexts and integrate green spaces.
  • Capital destinations: respondents agreed with proposed opportunities and provided commentary on improved wayfinding, reliable public transit, and pedestrian-friendly areas.
  • Capital streetscape: respondents expressed support for the four key opportunities listed but also highlighted a need for reducing the speed of traffic, more greenery along streets and roadways, and better accessible spaces for people with disabilities.

Sectors

The feedback received on the sectors reflects a strong desire for a more accessible, vibrant, and environmentally friendly urban core in the National Capital. Key themes reflected in the comments received include:

  • environmental preservation
  • improved transportation
  • urban development
  • enhanced public spaces
  • new event spaces
  • addressing social concerns
  • improving accessibility

More details on feedback received for individual sectors can be found in the What We Heard report for Phase 3.

During Phase 4, the final draft plan was released to the public for comment. Following comments received during this phase, the project team accounted for the feedback received according to the following themes that were identified, including, but not limited to:

  • Transportation and accessibility
  • Housing and development
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Waterfront activation

The feedback from Phase 4 of public participation highlighted the importance of the core area and showed that the community remains deeply invested in plans for its future.

What’s next?

Following the final round of public engagement in May 2025, the final version of the plan was approved by the NCC Board of Directors in June 2025.

Documents

For more on what we heard during each phase of public engagement, consult the summary reports below.

Documents