The NCC has committed to engage with members of the public and stakeholders throughout the review process for the National Capital Core Area Plan. Engagement aims to receive and consider perspectives on the plan and promote awareness of the review process.
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:
- 8 key informant interviews with community associations and BIAs;
- 2 online and in-person public workshops;
- 4 pop-up kiosks;
- 1 public survey; and
- 1 survey and 3 online meetings held as part of NCC Accessibility Plan consultations.
Phase 3 (May 2024 to March 2025): public-level engagement that received contributions through:
- 1 public workshop;
- 1 public survey; and
- 1 in-person and 6 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.
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.
What’s next?
We are currently seeking feedback on the 90% plan until May 15, 2025. The final version of the plan will be presented to the NCC Board of Directors in June 2025.
Documents
For more on what we heard in Phases 2 and 3 of engagement, consult the summary reports below.