NCC - General Updates

[zzptichka]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

NCC Board Meetings are scheduled for this week, but I haven't received any email updates. Anyone know if they were postponed?

I think they meet privately every month or so, and tomorrow is one of those.

Next PUBLIC meeting is in January, based on their website. For some reason they are skipping the Fall meeting.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

I think they meet privately every month or so, and tomorrow is one of those.

Next PUBLIC meeting is in January, based on their website. For some reason they are skipping the Fall meeting.

Schedule on their website skips over the Fall meeting, but not on the PDF. Very disappointing. Obviously, LeBreton arena is on hold while we're waiting for Andlauer to take over, but the Flats District is well over a year overdue.

[rocketphish]

Would you give to a charitable foundation run by the NCC?
In 2021, records show, the commission set out serious plans to develop a charitable arm to help fund its activities. The public has heard little about it.

Ken Rubin, Ottawa Citizen
Published Sep 19, 2023 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 3 minute read

The NCC has secretly been exploring setting up its own charitable foundation.

A 2021 NCC note, which I obtained using access to information law, says: “To increase its financial sustainability to maintain NCC assets and programming, the NCC has been searching for alternative sources of funding. As such, and with the strong support of its Board of Directors, the NCC is considering the creation of a philanthropic public foundation to provide an additional and reliable revenue stream.”

The NCC note goes on to bemoan the fact that in 2018-19, less than two per cent of funding for the commission’s operation came from sponsorships and donors, amounting to only about $215,000. That was lower than what the NCC got from user fees (three per cent) or from its rentals and easements (22 per cent).

Plans were drawn up in late 2021 for setting up this new foundation. Its start-up, according to the NCC records documents obtained under access law, would cost $200,0000 to $500,000, and use NCC staff. The launch, it was hoped, would be in 2023 — this year. Then it would take three years to break even.

We haven’t heard much about this secret proposal. But the NCC records note that setting up its own foundation would not be without risks, since it would be competing for funds with other foundations such as those of the National Arts Centre and The Ottawa Hospital.

At best, drawing in large sums of money, and doing better than breaking even, they acknowledged, would never be a sure thing. Teaming up with a partner (unnamed in the records) was mentioned as an option but apparently not pursued.

NCC officials, nonetheless, seemed confident that donors would want to contribute through its foundation to the organization’s conservation, cultural and heritage mandates. That would include donations directed to Gatineau Park, the NCC Greenbelt and Canadiana furniture/furnishing collections for official residences.

The documents noted that the foundation would have to try to be transparent with how donations were used. It would have to be accountable — avoiding, for instance, the temptation of using donations designated for Gatineau Park for other purposes such as Greenbelt projects.

But transparency, accountability, and public consultations are not a usual feature of the NCC’s modus operation.

That’s the fundamental flaw, in my view, of the proposal for an NCC Foundation. Donors would essentially be giving money for NCC-determined programming and property maintenance, or even to facilitate property sell-offs such as at LeBreton Flats. The uses made of their donations would be hard to trace.

Donors could well then be less than inspired to give funds to an unelected NCC level of government whose programs taxpayers often, at times, see as being wasteful, excessive and extravagant.

Adding to this, the records I obtained acknowledge another very serious risk to contend with: “that conflict of interest may arise if current/future contractors donate to the NCC Foundation.”

As well, a new NCC Foundation increasing its revenues would mean funds the NCC could use that would not go back into general government consolidated funds, unlike in other departments.

Even the NCC recognized that for the foundation to function properly, much “significant work (needs) to be done and that included attracting volunteers, having proper leadership and a development plan.”

The NCC not being a particularly open or transparent entity, I can’t tell you where the proposal for a new foundation stands. NCC spokesperson Benoît Desjardins e-mailed me this vague statement: “At this time, there is no decision or timeline related to this matter (of setting up a foundation).”

All in all, the proposed new foundation is questionable.

Let’s hope there will be a great deal of public discussion about the feasibility and drawbacks of the NCC setting up such a foundation — if indeed it does anything to take the plan forward. Meanwhile, make your donations to accountable places

Ken Rubin has followed the NCC over the years and is reachable at kenrubin.ca

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/rubin-would-you-give-to-a-charitable-foundation-run-by-the-ncc

[J.OT13]

If I had an excess amount of money (say hundreds of thousands of disposable income per year), I'd be happy to donate for specific projects.

[Uhuniau]

I would have gladly thrown some cash or coins at River House.

[stolenottawa]

Guy's really got an axe to grind with the NCC.

Historically, I would agree but lately it seems like all the new good things in the city are thanks to the NCC.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

If I had an excess amount of money (say hundreds of thousands of disposable income per year), I'd be happy to donate for specific projects.

They could launch it with fund-raising for a new PM's residence.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

They could launch it with fund-raising for a new PM's residence.

I would not donate a cent to that one.

[rocketphish]

Open NCC Day is back!: Here's a few tips

Staff Reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Published Sep 23, 2023 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read

The popular ‘Open NCC’ program is on for a second year, offering a behind-the-scenes peek into activities and projects happening in the National Capital Region.

The program’s available Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit the website for more information

Here are some suggestions:

Open NCC Hub

A good starting point would be the Open NCC hub at Major’s Hill Park.

NCC experts will be on hand to discuss projects, consultations and opportunities taking place at the NCC.

“This is your chance to get a sneak peek at many of our biggest plans for the Capital, including the Kìwekì Point redevelopment, the future of Confederation Boulevard, and the renewal of the core area,” the NCC says.

There are a number of tours offered, requiring registration https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/majors-hill-park-open-ncc

Check out the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats.

See the progress made so far (including the crow sculpture, entitled When the Rubber Meets the Road by Gérald Beaulieu) and meet NCC experts to learn about the rich history of this site and plans for the future.

The one-kilometre walking tour (wheelchair-accessible) takes about one hour. This activity is suitable for all ages.

The French-language tour starts at 10 a.m., while the English-language tours are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

There’s a maximum of 20 participants for each tour so register here to get on the list. LeBreton walking tour registration

Mer Bleue Bog

Always a favourite, the Mer Bleue Bog is an internationally significant wetland, with unique flora and fauna.

Conservation officers and biologists will be on hand for a meet-and-greet and a special presentation on the bog, “a true gem of the National Capital Region.”

Walking tours, about 45 minutes long, start at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The trail is a mostly flat wooden boardwalk, with a hill at the end of the trail, which may not be suitable for all mobility devices.

Drop in at the kiosk between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tour the renovated River House

You’ll get to know how the project came to be and learn more about the future Sir George-Étienne Cartier Park.

Our tenants, Ottawa Riverkeeper and the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC), will also be on site to share information about turtle nesting, talk about the history and future of the River House, and explain what the organizations do to protect the Ottawa River and animate its shorelines.

The Ottawa Riverkeeper group will open their Learning Lab space to the public with educational displays, materials, and hands-on activities.

Drop in at any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

At the NCC River House, 501 Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway.

Check out an archeology site

Join archeologists at a dig near Leamy Lake looking for artifacts to learn more about the history of the region before the arrival of Europeans.

This is a partnership with the Anishinàbe Odjìbikan, the archaeological field school of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

In the main parking lot, there will be an artifacts presentation and Anishinabe Algonquin demonstrations featuring singing and drumming, interactive pictograph painting on canvas, storytelling, and crafting of birchbark baskets.

The archeological digs are not wheelchair-accessible, as the site is at a 10- to 15-minute walk on a narrow and uneven path.

While the digs are geared toward adults and children aged 10 and up, there is also a simulated archaeological dig for families with children under 10 years old.

Hours
Drop in at any time between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Meeting point
At the main parking lot, located at 80 Fournier Boulevard, Gatineau.

Bring your own water bottle and bug repellent, and wear a hat, long pants, gloves and closed-toe shoes with good treads.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/five-tips-to-enjoy-open-ncc-day

[rocketphish]

The NCC and the City of Ottawa need to start playing nice
A squabble over who should clear a walking path near Lincoln Fields in winter is just the latest example of needless disagreement.

Randall Denley, Ottawa Citizen
Published Oct 03, 2023 • 3 minute read

It’s difficult to imagine a more typically Ottawa problem than the one that city councillors tried to deal with last week. Their task was seemingly straightforward, an approval of three new apartment buildings within easy walking distance of the Lincoln Fields transit station. It’s exactly the sort of transit-adjacent development the city wants and as a bonus, the project would provide a new facility for a non-profit home for severely disabled adults.

The only hitch was the walking path that connects the new development directly to the transit station. The path is owned by the National Capital Commission, which doesn’t make a habit of clearing walking paths in winter.

Councillors were told that the NCC was not opposed to the city clearing the path, but city staff were concerned. What would that cost? What about legal liability? Would it set a precedent, leading to more demands to make NCC paths useable in winter, at the city’s expense?

This seems like something two reasonable people, sitting in a room together, would be able to resolve before it was time for a coffee break. The NCC could have said, “Wow, we’re the world’s biggest fans of active transportation. We’ll give you that walking path.” Problem solved. Or the city could have said, “The whole concept of this project rests on its proximity to the new LRT line we’re spending a fortune on. Of course we’ll light and clear the pathway.” Problem solved.

Instead, councillors considered potentially delaying the much needed apartments until the pathway issue was resolved, something they might reasonably have expected would be done before the issue came before them.

A simple solution to a simple problem would depend on some level of goodwill and co-operation between our two competing local governments: the one you elected and pay taxes to, and the government agency that owns and controls much of the city, for the greater good of all Canadians.

Disagreements between the NCC and the city have been a little too frequent of late. Some tiny percentage of Ottawans spent months debating the NCC’s decision to close part of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway for much of the summer. The city argued that turning a road into a bicycle path right beside another bicycle path didn’t make a lot of sense. Plus, the road restriction hampered the fire department’s ability to respond to calls. None of that curbed the NCC’s bicycle enthusiasm.

Then there is the unresolved matter of the city’s plan to build a road and transitway through the Mer Bleue portion of the National Capital Greenbelt. The goal is to make it easier for south Orléans residents to connect with the rest of the city, but the NCC is not on board.

Some would see allowing access through the greenbelt as a necessary and reasonable tradeoff for preserving a ring of green space in the centre of the city and pushing development farther out as a consequence.

Solving practical problems, however, is not really the zone of NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum, a former city councillor. The NCC operates at a much, much higher level. If people don’t like it, well, too bad. It’s not like they aren’t going to re-elect you. As long as the generally indifferent federal government is satisfied, a CEO of the NCC can have a long and happy reign. The only thing that really matters is staying in sync with the values of the federal government, things like greenbelt good, bicycles good, cars bad.

It’s a little more complicated if a person is the mayor of Ottawa. Mark Sutcliffe’s job is to balance competing priorities and try to think of the greater good. He’d be a terrible fit at the NCC.

It’s not that the NCC is wrong on every issue or that the city is right, but they do need to work together. When their priorities align on something as simple as a walking path to a transit station, one would hope that the city and the NCC could find a solution, not just take positions.

Randall Denley is an Ottawa political commentator and author. His latest novel, The Truth about Sarah, was recently released. Contact him at [email protected].

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/denley-the-ncc-and-the-city-of-ottawa-need-to-start-playing-nice

[J.OT13]

City Councillors rip into the NCC every time they get. They made a big deal about this one NCC pathway to access Lincoln Fields Station (when New Orchard is also relatively close), yet there's no debate about how proposals on Carling or Baseline that have NO rapid transit access beyond a line on a map, or how Vanier developments have no prospect of any sort of decent transit access. Quite a but of hypocrisy and dishonesty surrounding this.

I'm reminded of the New Civic debate as well, where some Councillors were concerned about Dow's lake Station's capacity and connection to the hospital. Those Councillors were crucified by Watson and his Club for even thinking about making a plan to ensure good transit connection to the new campus. Here we are now, with the hospital's garage u/c and the trench not widened.

[rocketphish]

NCC looking for input in major revision of Capital Core Area plan

Staff Reporter, Ottawa Citizen
Published Oct 28, 2023 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 1 minute read

The National Capital Commission is looking for public input as it works towards a major revision of the National Capital Core Area Plan.

The plan has been at the centre of much projects on major projects on federal lands in the core area.

“The current plan’s vision, policy, and project horizon extend until 2025, but much has changed since its approval in 2005,” the agency said in a news release.

“We are now reviewing the plan to adapt it to current needs as we consider new priorities and challenges.”

The NCC describes the “National Capital Core Area” as “the hub of the National Capital Region along the shore of the majestic Ottawa River. It spans across two municipalities and two provinces, each with their own administration and their own priorities.”

The federal agency listed three main guidelines for the upcoming plan:

Turn toward the water

Locate and orient buildings, places and amenities to face the Ottawa River,
Animate the shorelines and create linkages across the river.

Create new places

Repurpose and reimagine NCC assets to create memorable places and destinations that enhance the public realm and Capital experience.

Shift toward sustainable mobility

Create public infrastructure that promotes public and active transportation.

Following consultations this fall and early winter, the NCC aims to draft the new plan in 2024, with stakeholder and more public consultation in spring-summer 2024.

The NCC expects final approval of the plan in January, 2025.

An online consultation link has been created at:
https://www.placespeak.com/en/topic/6769-updating-the-national-capital-core-area-plan/#/overview

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new...major-revision-of-capital-core-area-plan

[Uhuniau]

The NCC has posted presentation documents from the ongoing Core Area consultation.

https://ncc-website-2.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/CAP-Workshop-Atelier-Final.pdf

[J.OT13]

Nussbaum in front of a House of Commons committee to explain $8 million barn. Tax Payers Federation losing it over this. At first glance, it sounds ridiculous however, when you look further into it, the price includes the demo of four buildings that this one replaces, decontamination of contaminated soil, the design work and the construction. Solar panels produce enough power to supply a home as large as Stornaway.

Opposers don't want to hear everything that went into it, they just want to focus on the total price.

• Video Link

More on the project from the NCC:

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/construction-service-building-rideau-hall

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Opposers don't want to hear everything that went into it, they just want to focus on the total price.

There is nothing that the "opposers" at the federal level can't or won't misrepresent in the worst of possible faith.

It is by turns entertaining and terrifying.

[OTownandDown]

...and the NCC never called anything 'Barn' ever again.

The End

Edit: Having reviewed that NCC link, $8M for the barn is pretty crazy tho. Car wash and mechanic bays that are not air conditioned. Wow. I often think that government projects are insanely inflated because of the burocracy. Just the way design development takes place, and then the requirements of the Contractors to meet all the government standards and requirements. The whole thing is 'heavy' compared to a private project.

When Freeland announced a huge funding boost of $1B to help the poors find housing, and $15B to help the rich get richer, all I could think of was the $10B on centre block, and the other $10B (at least) for the rest of the precinct, and the $600M for the BoC, the $500M for Terrasses, or whatever the value for the rest of Portage. 'But wait, we'll spend $1B for ALL of Canada. 'OooOOoo' I sarcastically said to myself.

People become so distant from reality that $8M for a car wash bay and light mechanic bench seems normal and acceptable, is all I'm saying.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by OTownandDown

When Freeland announced a huge funding boost of $1B to help the poors find housing, and $15B to help the rich get richer, all I could think of was the $10B on centre block, and the other $10B (at least) for the rest of the precinct, and the $600M for the BoC, the $500M for Terrasses, or whatever the value for the rest of Portage. 'But wait, we'll spend $1B for ALL of Canada. 'OooOOoo' I sarcastically said to myself.

Minor point, but the government didn't pay for the Bank of Canada renovation.

In cases like the renovation of the House of Commons, the requirements are so unique on a building like that and the number of firms that can do the work is so small that it is really hard to establish market value. Of course that does not apply in the case of the barn.

[OTownandDown]

Originally Posted by phil235

Minor point, but the government didn't pay for the Bank of Canada renovation.

In cases like the renovation of the House of Commons, the requirements are so unique on a building like that and the number of firms that can do the work is so small that it is really hard to establish market value. Of course that does not apply in the case of the barn.

You're right, of course. And it depends on the value you place on the heritage of our 100 year old Centre Block for all Canadians. I recently went on a tour of the Senate and was blown away by the quality of the detailing and materials. Certainly a long-long term project.

There is $4,400 set aside in Freeland's budget to build housing per each person on an affordable housing waitlist in Canada. hardly enough to fund two months of housing let alone construct housing. There is $29,580,000 set aside per house of commons seat. Just saying. Or $2,000,000 per car wash bay, to bring the conversation back to the topic.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Nussbaum in front of a House of Commons committee to explain $8 million barn. Tax Payers Federation losing it over this. At first glance, it sounds ridiculous however, when you look further into it, the price includes the demo of four buildings that this one replaces, decontamination of contaminated soil, the design work and the construction. Solar panels produce enough power to supply a home as large as Stornaway.

Opposers don't want to hear everything that went into it, they just want to focus on the total price.

• Video Link

More on the project from the NCC:

https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/projects/construction-service-building-rideau-hall

To be fair, it's a really nice barn ...

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by OTownandDown

Having reviewed that NCC link, $8M for the barn is pretty crazy tho.

Oh yeah, still a little much, but not as bonkers as some people will have you believe considering the scope of what went into that price tag beyond just concrete and steel.