NCC backs Wellington Street tram plan
The NCC prefers a Gatineau-based interprovincial tram system running on the surface of Wellington Street in Ottawa, rather than in a tunnel under Sparks Street.
The agency doesn't mind either of the options proposed by the Société de transport de l'Outaouais for running a tram over the Portage Bridge and into Ottawa, but it sees the Wellington Street route as an opportunity to pursue an interprovincial transit loop between the two downtowns.
The NCC board on Thursday approved in principle the STO's idea to run a tram on the surface of Wellington Street “as the most closely aligned option with NCC plans.”
The City of Ottawa has expressed preference for the Sparks Street tunnel option, worried about Wellington Street's ability to accommodate several modes of transportation.
Board member Michael Foderick voiced several reservations about the STO's plans, arguing that there are several details needing attention, especially when it comes to the prospect of altering Wellington Street.
Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin defended his city's plan, acknowledging there are still outstanding questions. Pedneaud-Jobin warned the board that there are no viable alternatives to the proposed tram system for moving commuters between cities.
NEW PATHWAYS PLANNED ACROSS LEBRETON FLATS
New multi-use pathways will cut through LeBreton Flats by the end of the year.
The NCC is building pathways from Pimisi Station to the pathway along the Ottawa River and to Bayview Station. A public consultation on the project will begin Friday.
Katie Paris, the NCC's director of the LeBreton Flats redevelopment, told the board the pathways
will be constructed in the public realm parts of the master plan. When there's eventually more construction on LeBreton Flats, the pathways will be part of the site, though they might be reworked or shifted slightly to complement surrounding development, Paris said.
The LeBreton Flats master plan is scheduled for board consideration in April. The NCC continues to run a procurement program for development of the “library parcel” at Albert and Booth streets.
NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum said the NCC continues to be open to a dialogue about what kind of major destination building should anchor LeBreton Flats.
The board approved a separate development plan at LeBreton Flats for the fourth phase of residential construction by Claridge Homes east of Booth Street. Claridge is building a 25-storey condo building with a 50-child daycare, and a 30-storey rental building with two floors of retail. There will be a total of 595 new residential units in the two towers.
MASTER PLAN SETS DIRECTION FOR GATINEAU PARK
A long-term plan is locked in
for the crown jewel of the capital region, with the NCC interested in spreading the visitors across Gatineau Park and limiting car traffic.
Nussbaum said it's important to take pressure off the busy Chelsea sector by encouraging people to use other parts of the 361-square-kilometre park.
The NCC oversees 98 per cent of the land in the park.
One per cent is under private interests and another one per cent is managed by the province or a municipality.
Work on the latest Gatineau Park master plan started in fall 2017. The overarching goal was to conserve nature, but also encourage recreational and cultural experiences and promote equitable and sustainable access.
Nussbaum said the new plan strikes a balance between having a conservation park and allowing recreational activities.
The NCC is keen on exploring public transit options for accessing Gatineau Park and reducing the number of vehicles.
During the board's vote on the plan, Victor Brunette abstained after voicing concerns about the lack of input from forestry experts.
NCC ADVANCES DESIGNS FOR PUBLIC SPACES, LGBTQ2+ MONUMENT GUIDELINES
The NCC's plan to revamp the Westboro Beach area received the board's endorsement.
The schematic design for the beach pavilion was one of several design approvals on the board's agenda.
The NCC wants to build a 4,000-square-foot structure beside the existing 1967 pavilion. The new structure would have a restaurant.
Two more design-related board approvals for the Westboro Beach project will be required later this year.
The board signed off on the design for the first phase of the Nepean Point redevelopment, with construction expected to begin this spring and end in 2023. A new pedestrian bridge will connect Nepean Point with Major's Hill Park.
The first stage of a design upgrade to Place du Portage 3, the major federal office complex in Gatineau, received the board's support.
Design guidelines for the LGBTQ2+ national monument received the board's approval. The monument will be built in Ottawa near the Portage Bridge and Wellington Street along the Ottawa River. A design competition will produce a concept for consideration by the NCC board in October.
RIDEAU CANAL SKATEWAY COULD BE DAYS FROM OPENING
The Rideau Canal Skateway is on track to open early next week, Nussbaum said.
He said the agency is trying to open the major attraction for recreation while following public health advice.
The NCC is asking people to use only amenities that are close to their homes, which would suggest the skateway might be unofficially off-limits for residents who don't live near the canal.
Nussbaum said the NCC doesn't want to see, for example, 30,000 people on the 7.8-kilometre skateway on a Saturday afternoon, a typical volume during Winterlude festivals.
Anyone using the canal skateway will be asked to wear a mask.