Public consultation set for LeBreton Flats proposals

The National Capital Commission will unveil four competing proposals for the redevelopment of part of LeBreton Flats at a public consultation in late January.

The Jan. 26 presentation will kick off two days of public consultations at the Canadian War Museum on the proposals to develop a 9.3-hectare site near the museum by Claridge Homes, Devcore Group, Focus Equities and the Rendez Vous LeBreton Group, whose plan includes a new downtown hockey arena.

In addition, the NCC has asked the proponents for their development planning outlook for a 12.3-hectare section of LeBreton known as the option lands.

The presentation on Jan. 26 will be webcast and live-streamed on Periscope, with representatives of the competing teams on hand to answer questions from the public. The NCC will also hold an online consultation from Jan. 26 to Feb. 8.

Though the development proposals are due by Dec. 15, chief executive Mark Kristmanson said the NCC will have to do “due diligence” before it can release them publicly.

“We’re very excited about this,” Kristmanson said. “We think it’s going to be a real competition and it’s going to capture a lot of interest and passion.”

An evaluation committee will review the four proposals and make a recommendation to the NCC’s board in March, triggering negotiations with the preferred proponent. An announcement of the winning proposal is scheduled for early 2017.