Building LeBreton Flats - Master Planning

[J.OT13]

[rocketphish]

Long-term LeBreton Flats plan has 'early phase' target that includes decision on new major facility

Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen
Publishing date: Apr 26, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 4 minute read

Ottawa residents won’t see a fully transformed LeBreton Flats for at least another 35 years, which sounds down-right depressing for anyone eager to see something, anything, pop up that would bring people to the now-barren site.

In one way, people have waited this long for the land to be developed, so what’s another three decades?

The final concept plan for the evolution of LeBreton Flats received a glowing endorsement from the National Capital Commission board of directors last week as the agency begins the revamped process to build on the 29-hectare site.

Although there are so many variables that can shift the timelines — government funding for major infrastructure work and residential market conditions being two strong factors — the NCC is charting sustainable development over short, medium and long-term priorities.

The short-term priorities could bring antsy residents some satisfaction that construction could start sweeping across the land at a steady pace over the next 10 years.

For one, the NCC is expected to release a request for proposals next month to develop the property at Albert and Booth streets, next to the future super library and Pimisi Station, with homes and commercial space in high-rises. The winning development team will be selected next January from a shortlist of three bidders.

Even before that, residents should see construction activity at LeBreton Flats this year as the NCC builds new pathways connecting Bayview and Pimisi LRT stations with the Ottawa River pathway.

Perhaps more importantly, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum last Thursday suggested the agency was pressing for another project, what he vaguely called “procurement elements,” within the next 12 months.

It’s an important window into the current thinking at the NCC — maybe the “modern” NCC that board chair Marc Seaman has often described — an agency that has battled a long-standing public perception that it spends more time studying than doing.

In an interview, Katie Paris, the NCC’s director of the Building LeBreton project, said a major priority of the agency is to show the public that something is happening at LeBreton Flats, especially after hearing the public say bluntly “get going” during the public consultations.

It has become a guiding principle of the project and Paris said her personal measure of success isn’t coming up with a plan, but executing the plan.

Paris said that although there has been gradual development of LeBreton Flats, including the residential development at the easternmost part of the property and the city’s LRT system cutting through the land, people are impatient to see progress in other areas.

There are residential development parcels scheduled for the early phase of development across the street from the Canadian War Museum and near Bayview Station.

However, two of the more interesting projects slotted into the early phase are a municipal park and a possible major event centre.

The prospect of an event centre, like a sports facility or another attraction, eyed in the first of three development phases might be good news for people anxious for a major destination at LeBreton Flats, including those still wishing for a downtown NHL arena.

“We can only hold on to this site for so long,” Paris said, explaining that there’s time for the private sector to explore a business case for establishing a sports facility.

But, Paris added, “We can hold it, but not indefinitely.”

By the end of the decade, the NCC could go ahead with its alternative scenario for the site, essentially extending the mixed-use neighbourhood west and removing the event centre from the plan.

“We’ve included it in the early phase as we think we ought to know what the kind of fate of the site is before too long passes so we can really make the right decisions in the other adjacent sites,” Paris said.

That said, there’s not a strict deadline on deciding the future of the parcel, especially since COVID-19 is a variable. The NCC wants to see what a return to sports and entertainment looks like after the pandemic.

Paris said there are no active discussions about the parcel of land reserved for an event centre, which doesn’t necessarily have to be a sport-focused facility. At the same time, Paris said the parcel likely won’t be for a national museum since the NCC has long-term planning work that can identify other sites for museums.

A large municipal park is also in the cards for the first decade of development, along with other zones that will become part of the public realm. That includes an adult “urban playground,” such as a fitness area, and a multi-use pathway from Preston Street built over the LRT line to connect the municipal park.

Paris said the NCC is discussing the planning of the municipal park with city hall.

The park slated for the early phase would be part of a swath of parkland extending west to the Bayview Station and the Trillium Line pathway, but the westernmost “capital park” would come later.

Paris said large projects around the world show that establishing the public realm, like parks and pathways, sends a signal to the private sector that authorities are serious about supporting future residential and commercial development.

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https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new...-includes-decision-on-new-major-facility

[Nepean]

I don't know how Jon Willing wrote this article with a straight face. This "plan", if we can call it that, is a joke. I have zero confidence that the NCC can get anything of significance done. When your timeline is 35 years you are effectively admitting that you have no real plan.

I believe in public institutions and government. However, there are days I wonder whether Ottawa would be better off if the NCC was eliminated, and its role replaced by the private sector or another government department. All the NCC knows how to do is make bad decisions or delay projects.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by Nepean

I don't know how Jon Willing wrote this article with a straight face. This "plan", if we can call it that, is a joke. I have zero confidence that the NCC can get anything of significance done. When your timeline is 35 years you are effectively admitting that you have no real plan.

I believe in public institutions and government. However, there are days I wonder whether Ottawa would be better off if the NCC was eliminated, and its role replaced by the private sector or another government department. All the NCC knows how to do is make bad decisions or delay projects.

In all fairness, Zibi was introduced over a decade ago and their phased approach is to be completed if all goes well and the market is good by 2033 that gives us something like 20 + years

[passwordisnt123]

Originally Posted by SL123

In all fairness, Zibi was introduced over a decade ago and their phased approach is to be completed if all goes well and the market is good by 2033 that gives us something like 20 + years

True but one crucial difference is that Zibi is a decade old and we're already seeing a bunch of stuff happening and it's exciting. With Lebreton we're talking 35 years + all the time wasted with Melnyk and the Rendezvous Lebreton fiasco + 50 more years before that of dithering mixed with actively malicious government destruction. We'll be devilishly close to the 100 year mark from when the government razed the community to the ground and when this thing is finished.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by passwordisnt123

True but one crucial difference is that Zibi is a decade old and we're already seeing a bunch of stuff happening and it's exciting. With Lebreton we're talking 35 years + all the time wasted with Melnyk and the Rendezvous Lebreton fiasco + 50 more years before that of dithering active malicious government destruction. We'll be devilishly close to the 100 year mark from when the government razed the community to the ground and when this thing is finished.

my point is, 35 years isnt necessarily something uncommon for developing a completely new neighbourhood (i.e Zibi) whether its the NCC or private sector. Also the whole Melnyk Trinity debacle is proof that private sector doesnt guarantee success and fast completion.

[J.OT13]

What's the rush with the arena placeholder? It's a 35 year plan, but that needs to be decided within the first phase? Once that area is built, there's no flexibility left. The rest is cast in stone.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

What's the rush with the arena placeholder? It's a 35 year plan, but that needs to be decided within the first phase? Once that area is built, there's no flexibility left. The rest is cast in stone.

Agree I dont see the rush for this specific area. I'm also very intrigued by this part of the article:

Perhaps more importantly, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum last Thursday suggested the agency was pressing for another project, what he vaguely called “procurement elements,” within the next 12 months.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by SL123

Agree I dont see the rush for this specific area. I'm also very intrigued by this part of the article:

Perhaps more importantly, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum last Thursday suggested the agency was pressing for another project, what he vaguely called “procurement elements,” within the next 12 months.

That is intriguing. It sounds like it could be some sort of National destination. Nothing as big as a museum, I'm sure, but a little something that could attract more people to the Flats.

[J.OT13]

Back to the arena, as I see it, the only way it might happen is if the City and OSEG partner-up to build an NHL sized facility. I've alluded to this before. It would depend of course on building the replacement for the Civic Centre at LeBreton. This may sound counter intuitive as Lansdowne would lose at least 44 games (OHL and CEBL) and a dozen+ other events, all of which are key to the success of Lansdowne.

Here's what we know: the City is discussing the replacement of the Civic Centre with OSEG, and a big part of that is for a new North Side stand, but also residential and possibly a hotel. Those residential units would add critical mass to the Park. Hotel rooms are filled with people who almost exclusively eat-out. Some of the space from a new complex could include a new attraction, possibly a new home for the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame or a small performance space. If a new arena is built at Lansdowne, it would likely be half of the Civic in order to make way for this new development, so those dozen+ events would accommodate 5,000 instead of 10,000. That smaller size would make it tougher to compete with the CTC. At the moment, its location gives it an edge, and its relatively large size makes it somewhat competitive with the CTC on the capacity front as well.

Looking over at Lansdowne, a new 15-16,000 seat arena would come with a decent amount of residential, hotel and retail space as well. It would be in direct competition with the CTC. This new arena could bleed out Melnyk into moving his team into this new arena or out-right selling out.

We know the Mayor wants to see an NHL rink at LeBreton. We know Trinity is still interested in LeBreton and the NCC is still willing to work with them. We know that the NCC is also interested in an arena at the Flats, otherwise they wouldn't have a "placeholder". With the City working with OSEG, it would also be more tangible for the NCC to "sole source" to the City of Ottawa and its partner rather than an entirely private entity.

Yes, Lansdowne might be put on the line with such a move, but OSEG would be able to secure its financial future with a new development across from their largest asset (Trinity at Bayview) and by attracting far more events, but this time at LeBreton.

[eltodesukane]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

That is intriguing. It sounds like it could be some sort of National destination. Nothing as big as a museum, I'm sure, but a little something that could attract more people to the Flats.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum should have moved there, instead of doing a rushed improvised renovation.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by eltodesukane

The Canada Science and Technology Museum should have moved there, instead of doing a rushed improvised renovation.

I wish they would have built a new Science and Tech for Canada 2017. The bread factory was supposed to be a temporary location. The Cons missed an opportunity to one-up the Liberals.

Maybe for Canada 2067, they could build it at Hurdman. Plenty of space for a large museum complex, and the area isn't as "prime" for residential and offices, and an arena, as LeBreton.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I wish they would have built a new Science and Tech for Canada 2017. The bread factory was supposed to be a temporary location. The Cons missed an opportunity to one-up the Liberals.

Maybe for Canada 2067, they could build it at Hurdman. Plenty of space for a large museum complex, and the area isn't as "prime" for residential and offices, and an arena, as LeBreton.

I think Tunney's would actually be the best place to move it. Lots of room, next to an LRT station, already owned by the government and still Central

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by SL123

I think Tunney's would actually be the best place to move it. Lots of room, next to an LRT station, already owned by the government and still Central

You know, I agree. The District Energy plant could be a component of a new Science and Tech museum.

It would also bring more tourists west of the core to discover traditional main streets like Wellington West. At Hurdman, they'll never be anything of interest outside the station's immediate area.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

I wish they would have built a new Science and Tech for Canada 2017. The bread factory was supposed to be a temporary location. The Cons missed an opportunity to one-up the Liberals.

Maybe for Canada 2067, they could build it at Hurdman. Plenty of space for a large museum complex, and the area isn't as "prime" for residential and offices, and an arena, as LeBreton.

Right across from the War Museum would have been my choice. Walkable from downtown, tied in with the industrial history of the region, and a landmark for Lebreton. Museum clusters are the way to go in my opinion.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by phil235

Right across from the War Museum would have been my choice. Walkable from downtown, tied in with the industrial history of the region, and a landmark for Lebreton. Museum clusters are the way to go in my opinion.

With the holocaust memorial on one side, the Afghan one on the other and the height limit for view protection of parliament. its almost impossible to build anything there the size of a museum. I do prefer Museum clusters as well, like the Mall in DC

[phil235]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Back to the arena, as I see it, the only way it might happen is if the City and OSEG partner-up to build an NHL sized facility. I've alluded to this before. It would depend of course on building the replacement for the Civic Centre at LeBreton. This may sound counter intuitive as Lansdowne would lose at least 44 games (OHL and CEBL) and a dozen+ other events, all of which are key to the success of Lansdowne.

Here's what we know: the City is discussing the replacement of the Civic Centre with OSEG, and a big part of that is for a new North Side stand, but also residential and possibly a hotel. Those residential units would add critical mass to the Park. Hotel rooms are filled with people who almost exclusively eat-out. Some of the space from a new complex could include a new attraction, possibly a new home for the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame or a small performance space. If a new arena is built at Lansdowne, it would likely be half of the Civic in order to make way for this new development, so those dozen+ events would accommodate 5,000 instead of 10,000. That smaller size would make it tougher to compete with the CTC. At the moment, its location gives it an edge, and its relatively large size makes it somewhat competitive with the CTC on the capacity front as well.

Looking over at Lansdowne, a new 15-16,000 seat arena would come with a decent amount of residential, hotel and retail space as well. It would be in direct competition with the CTC. This new arena could bleed out Melnyk into moving his team into this new arena or out-right selling out.

We know the Mayor wants to see an NHL rink at LeBreton. We know Trinity is still interested in LeBreton and the NCC is still willing to work with them. We know that the NCC is also interested in an arena at the Flats, otherwise they wouldn't have a "placeholder". With the City working with OSEG, it would also be more tangible for the NCC to "sole source" to the City of Ottawa and its partner rather than an entirely private entity.

Yes, Lansdowne might be put on the line with such a move, but OSEG would be able to secure its financial future with a new development across from their largest asset (Trinity at Bayview) and by attracting far more events, but this time at LeBreton.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that the long term plan is likely a new north side stand with residential and hotel. That is consistent with the way things are going elsewhere in the world. I don't see any way there would ever be space for a 16,000 seat arena there, nor the requisite rapid transit connection. A shared arena at Lebreton is the most likely possibility.

I do think that will be a challenge for the 67s, as they draw a big proportion of their fans from the local communities, which I think is less likely at Lebreton. I also think you may be underestimating the number of events that the Civic Centre hosts. Between the 67s, basketball, other sports events like curling, tennis and USports championships, plus concerts etc, it is a busy place.

One thing that doesn't get mentioned enough is the configuration of the Civic Centre. The lopsided design isn't great for hockey, but it is uniquely good for concerts, conventions etc. I'm not sure how that gets replaced.

[J.OT13]

There would be some definite disadvantages with moving the arena, as you mentioned. The current configuration under the North Side stands makes for an awkward layout with poor visibility along the south bleachers. Any new arena at Lansdowne would likely have that same problem. It would be important to replace the arena as an attraction, with another smaller, but an everyday, attraction.

[Harley613]

Photo_6553788_DJI_188_jpg_4486247_0_2021429154530_photo_original by harley613, on Flickr

[rocketphish]

New multi-use pathway coming to LeBreton Flats this fall putting people before cars
The pathway is part of the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan, approved by the National Capital Commission board of directors in April 2021.

Ariel Harker • Capital Current
Publishing date: Jul 29, 2021 • 14 hours ago • 3 minute read



A new, one-kilometre-long multi-use pathway coming to LeBreton Flats will be the first public realm project in the development of the 29-hectare site, located 1.5 kilometres west of Parliament.

Construction of LeBreton Flats pathway is to begin in early August and should open to the public late fall 2021.

The pathway is part of the LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan, approved by the NCC board of directors in April 2021. The plan envisions four districts in LeBreton Flats, with a mix of residential, entertainment, office and retail use. The path will connect through the future Parks District and will be the first piece of the master plan’s parks and public realm strategy.

“Much of our city was planned around car infrastructure and putting cars before people,” said Jen Stelzer, EnviroCentre’s director of community sustainability programs.

Pathways like this one are intended to make biking and walking a central feature of city life, said Stelzer, and she’s glad to see more emphasis on active transportation.

“It’s so nice to see that happening at the planning stage and not trying to fit it in afterwards,” she explained. “Seeing this stuff being put in ahead of time, or in conjunction with a planning project, is very proactive and exciting.”

The pathway has two parts. Segment 1 will connect Pimisi Station’s lower plaza to the Capital Pathway on the Ottawa River, going through the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway underpass. This section will have cycling and walking lanes and will include a slow zone west of Pimisi Station to sit and view the aqueduct.

Segment 2 will be a four-metre-wide multi-use pathway running parallel to the O-Train Confederation Line between Pimisi and Bayview Stations. The path will stretch along the north side of the O-Train tracks and will connect with the Trillium Pathway.

The area has a strong walking, biking and transit corridor along Scott Street and Booth Street, said Stelzer.

“For so long – like decades, literally – LeBreton Flats has been a barrier, a place that you had to go around,” said Stelzer. “It’s pretty exciting that we’re seeing this connection happen.”

Construction for the pathway will involve installing construction fencing; demolishing and removing materials; grading and drainage work; paving; landscaping (including planting 21 trees and seeding with native and naturalized species); adding wood fencing, seating areas and lighting and restoring the aqueduct’s guardrail.

The area around the new pathway is a brownfield site with contaminated soil from previous industrial use, including a landfill. The NCC’s public consultation report says soil in the pathway’s slow zone will be replaced to remediate that area. Remediation of the rest of the brownfield soil will occur when the area surrounding the pathway is further developed into the Parks District under the master plan. Until then, fencing and landscaping features will keep users on the pathway.

Public consultations for the new pathway project were held between December 2020 and February 2021.

The public consultation report says participants highlighted the importance of “interpretation of local heritage and history, including that of Indigenous peoples and LeBreton’s industrial past.” In response, the NCC report says heritage interpretation panels will be considered when the master plan’s Heritage and Culture Strategy is implemented.

When it comes to winter maintenance, some respondents urged the NCC to keep the path cleared, while others endorsed its integration into the surrounding winter trail network.

Proper winter grooming and snow management can satisfy everyone, said Dave Adams, the head groomer and project manager of the SJAM Winter Trail (which will be renamed this fall).

“We work with snow, and we make it nice for any human-powered transportation,” said Adams. That means walkers, bikers and skiers can share the same pathway.

Adams has groomed part of the pathway site to test its viability, and said Segment 2 will be included in the winter trail network going forward.

According to the public consultation report, the pathway’s design incorporates the necessary pathway width and fence gates to allow grooming equipment to access the trail.

The NCC’s emphasis on active transportation is consistent with the winter trail’s goals as a multi-use urban winter pathway, said Adams.

“We’re trying to animate the space together,” he said.

The LeBreton Flats sector has varied terrain with some hills, while most of the winter trail network is flat, said Adams.

“It gives us an opportunity to cater to the university racer, or even the more advanced skier,” said Adams. “They can just get a really high-quality work workout in downtown Ottawa.”

This story also appears in Capital Current, the community news site run by Carleton University’s journalism program.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new...ats-this-fall-putting-people-before-cars