NCC - General Updates

[rocketphish]

Let's get LeBreton Flats right

Ottawa Citizen Editorial Board
Published on: September 15, 2014, Last Updated: September 15, 2014 6:25 AM EDT

It appears the National Capital Commission is finally getting serious about developing its valuable LeBreton Flats land in downtown Ottawa. It’s about time. A city’s core should should be vibrant and ambitious, with striking monuments, unique tourist attractions, inviting residential spaces and innovative businesses. None of these descriptions apply to a big boring empty field.

Last week, NCC chief executive officer Mark Kristmanson told the Citizen’s Don Butler that the agency wants a new “signature development” that would, he hopes, have national reach.

“It’s not going to be a government-led or driven process,” Kristmanson said. “We’ll really be looking to the market and to the creative minds out there to see what they can come up with.

“With the Windmill development bringing in about three million square feet, mostly residential, to the north of the site, it makes a lot of sense to bring in some major attraction or institution to balance the War Museum.”

The first idea floated leaves us cold, and not just because it involves ice. On Thursday, Senators Sports & Entertainment didn’t dismiss the possibility of pitching a downtown replacement for the 18-year-old Canadian Tire Centre.

“We are aware that the LeBreton Flats site is large enough to accommodate a downtown professional sports arena,” read a company statement. “Before giving this serious consideration, Senators Sports & Entertainment would need to explore whether this concept is something that the people of Ottawa would desire and support.”

Given the CTC still has plenty of good years in front of it (and the fact that the company continues to make upgrades), this seems wasteful. Yes, professional sports infrastructure is important and Ottawa benefits greatly from having an NHL team, and yes the rink’s current location isn’t ideal for those who don’t live in the west end. But it’s there now, and it would be irrational to build two arenas instead of just building the thing closer to the core in the first place. The LeBreton Flats offer a new chance to build on what we already have, not replace it.

These are early days though, and there’s time to come up with something better. As such, we on the editorial board are interested in what your creative minds can come up with. Email us at letters@ottawacitizen.com and tell us, in 60 words or less, what you would put there if you were in charge and why. Would you go with a large central park and pavilion? A zoo? An amusement park? A skyline-altering monument or tower? More condos? High-end shopping and a movie theatre? Something else?

Perhaps a new location for the Canada Science and Technology Museum?

Let us know what you think and we’ll publish the best ideas.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-...on-flats-right

[Urbanarchit]

*

[JM1]

It would be crazy to use this land for a downtown sports arena. It should be used to build a community. Sports arenas sit as empty shells for much of the time and then cause traffic chaos for brief periods during rush hour when games or concerts start. This area is already congested and adding a stadium would cause problems for both the Eddy and Chaudiere bridges while offering very little in terms of building the community. I don't think that the ideal location for a stadium is Kanata, but nor is it LeBreton. Had I had my pick, it would have been in the Startop/Cyrville industrial area or in the Trainyards/Via Station vicinity. Heck, you might even have enough space on the other side of the 417 at Vanier Parkway (RCMP building) or where the baseball stadium/Canadian tire are.

Originally Posted by rocketphish

Let's get LeBreton Flats right

Ottawa Citizen Editorial Board
Published on: September 15, 2014, Last Updated: September 15, 2014 6:25 AM EDT

It appears the National Capital Commission is finally getting serious about developing its valuable LeBreton Flats land in downtown Ottawa. It’s about time. A city’s core should should be vibrant and ambitious, with striking monuments, unique tourist attractions, inviting residential spaces and innovative businesses. None of these descriptions apply to a big boring empty field.

Last week, NCC chief executive officer Mark Kristmanson told the Citizen’s Don Butler that the agency wants a new “signature development” that would, he hopes, have national reach.

“It’s not going to be a government-led or driven process,” Kristmanson said. “We’ll really be looking to the market and to the creative minds out there to see what they can come up with.

“With the Windmill development bringing in about three million square feet, mostly residential, to the north of the site, it makes a lot of sense to bring in some major attraction or institution to balance the War Museum.”

The first idea floated leaves us cold, and not just because it involves ice. On Thursday, Senators Sports & Entertainment didn’t dismiss the possibility of pitching a downtown replacement for the 18-year-old Canadian Tire Centre.

“We are aware that the LeBreton Flats site is large enough to accommodate a downtown professional sports arena,” read a company statement. “Before giving this serious consideration, Senators Sports & Entertainment would need to explore whether this concept is something that the people of Ottawa would desire and support.”

Given the CTC still has plenty of good years in front of it (and the fact that the company continues to make upgrades), this seems wasteful. Yes, professional sports infrastructure is important and Ottawa benefits greatly from having an NHL team, and yes the rink’s current location isn’t ideal for those who don’t live in the west end. But it’s there now, and it would be irrational to build two arenas instead of just building the thing closer to the core in the first place. The LeBreton Flats offer a new chance to build on what we already have, not replace it.

These are early days though, and there’s time to come up with something better. As such, we on the editorial board are interested in what your creative minds can come up with. Email us at letters@ottawacitizen.com and tell us, in 60 words or less, what you would put there if you were in charge and why. Would you go with a large central park and pavilion? A zoo? An amusement park? A skyline-altering monument or tower? More condos? High-end shopping and a movie theatre? Something else?

Perhaps a new location for the Canada Science and Technology Museum?

Let us know what you think and we’ll publish the best ideas.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-...on-flats-right

[citydwlr]

Originally Posted by JM1

...Heck, you might even have enough space on the other side of the 417 at Vanier Parkway (RCMP building) or where the baseball stadium/Canadian tire are.

My thoughts exactly! With the walkway over the QEW connecting to both the LRT and Via Rail stations, not to mention a hotel on premises and easy access to the highway, I think this would make a fine spot for a new central sports arena.

As for LeBreton Flats, I'm not sure what that space could be used for. A central library immediately comes to mind. But, I also think Vertical Reality (the rock climbing gym) on the islands needs a big new modern venue (like High Point Climbing, for example).

[phil235]

Originally Posted by JM1

It would be crazy to use this land for a downtown sports arena. It should be used to build a community. Sports arenas sit as empty shells for much of the time and then cause traffic chaos for brief periods during rush hour when games or concerts start. This area is already congested and adding a stadium would cause problems for both the Eddy and Chaudiere bridges while offering very little in terms of building the community. I don't think that the ideal location for a stadium is Kanata, but nor is it LeBreton. Had I had my pick, it would have been in the Startop/Cyrville industrial area or in the Trainyards/Via Station vicinity. Heck, you might even have enough space on the other side of the 417 at Vanier Parkway (RCMP building) or where the baseball stadium/Canadian tire are.

It's not crazy at all. In fact, almost every major sports arena that has been built in North America in the last 15 years has been built downtown. An arena like the ACC or the Bell Centre greatly contribute the vibrancy of the city, and they certainly aren't "empty shells" most of the time, as they are host upwards of 150 or 200 events per year.

If you put the arena at Startop you would be slightly more central, but it would be the same story - most people would drive and you would lose an opportunity for synergies with bars, restaurants, festivals etc.

[J.OT13]

LB Flats should definitely be the new home of the Science and Tech Museum. The main Library could work in LB or Bayview, but I think it would be better off in the Lyon Station vicinity along with a new concert hall (1,500 seats) to livin' up that part of downtown.

If the new Corel Centre isn't built around LB/Bayview, I vote for Hurdman where we have a chance to develop a arena district similar to AC Centre or the new Oilers neighborhood. Plus, the arena could also be built directly over the station.

Major problem I see with Cyrville and VIA is that the stations would be a fair hike from Palladium 2.0; not a major improvement, if any, from the current trek between the parking lots and the arena. Furthermore, those areas don't have as much potential for a cool new urban development; surrounded by suburbia, farther from downtown (not much farther, but would not create as much of a continuity of downtown).

[rocketphish]

NCC planning new Ottawa River access points near Portage Bridge

Don Butler, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: September 16, 2014, Last Updated: September 16, 2014 6:30 PM EDT



The National Capital Commission plans to develop two new public access points on the Ottawa River near the intersection of Wellington Street and the Portage Bridge.

The NCC will hold an open house on Oct. 7 at the Mill Street Brew Pub about the proposed projects to increase public access to the Bronson Pulp Mill ruins and the Richmond Landing shoreline, below Chaudière Falls.

For the Bronson Pulp Mill ruins project, the NCC says the objective is to provide universally accessible routes from the Wellington-Portage intersection to Richmond Landing, and from Bronson Pulp Mill to experience the ruins.

For the Richmond Landing project, the intent is to provide public access for pedestrians and cyclists from the Ottawa shoreline. New bridges will connect Richmond Landing, Victoria Island and Amelia Island.

In a report to the NCC board Tuesday, CEO Mark Kristmanson said both projects are in the planning stage. Construction should begin in 2016 with completion by the summer of 2017, the year of Canada’s sesquicentennial.

He said the projects offer opportunities to highlight the aboriginal and natural heritage of the islands, recognize the military presence in the region and showcase the manufacturing and power generation industries that helped spur growth in the National Capital Region.

Increasing access to the Ottawa River shoreline is one of the NCC’s top strategic objectives. Earlier this year, it issued a call for proposals that would “animate” the river’s shorelines.

dbutler@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/ButlerDon

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-...portage-bridge

[1overcosc]

Wow, the NCC has really stepped up its game since Kristmanson came into the show. I'm actually finding my hatred for the organization weakening.

[J.OT13]

We must practice cautious optimism. The NCC has always had a lot of "ideas". We just have to wait to see if they ever materialize.

That said, it's promising that the ideas on the table seem to lean towards action (as with specific dates for the Ottawa River access project) rather than the traditional NCC ideas that start and end with studies.

[Uhuniau]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

We must practice cautious optimism. The NCC has always had a lot of "ideas". We just have to wait to see if they ever materialize.

That said, it's promising that the ideas on the table seem to lean towards action (as with specific dates for the Ottawa River access project) rather than the traditional NCC ideas that start and end with studies.

They start with studies and end with green space.

And 14-flagpole assemblies.

[rocketphish]

Moving Ottawa's tourist centre off Wellington and back again cost $367K

David Reevely, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: September 24, 2014, Last Updated: September 24, 2014 9:31 PM EDT


The federal government spent $367,000 to move its main tourist information centre from a prominent place on Wellington Street to a nearby mall, and then move it back again a couple of years later.

Closing the Capital Infocentre across from Parliament and replacing it with a kiosk in the World Exchange Plaza in 2011 was billed as a way of freeing up resources to spend on user-friendly digital aids for tourists, replacing paper maps and live human helpers with downloadable information.

It was also supposed to save the National Capital Commission money as it struggled with cuts imposed by the Conservatives’ years of austerity budgets. The rent for the floor space in the relatively out-of-the-way World Exchange was a paltry $5,000 a year, compared with $324,000 in the prime spot the information centre had had at 90 Wellington St. for years.

In the big picture, because the land is federally owned anyway, the NCC’s rent there didn’t make much difference to taxpayers. But it was real enough to the people in charge of the commission’s budgets.

The move wasn’t cheap, according to written answers to questions filed by Ottawa South Liberal MP David McGuinty.

“The Conservative government, and particularly its regional minister, have some explaining to do,” McGuinty said, taking a shot at Ottawa West-Nepean MP John Baird, the Conservative minister responsible for the NCC.

Designing and fabricating the new kiosk cost more than $200,000. Signs telling visitors who turned up at 90 Wellington that they were in the wrong place cost thousands more. Other odds and sods (“Production of a free standing brochure rack — $3,941″) brought the cost of departing the old information centre to $321,324, according to the government’s figures.

Then the Tories carved off the NCC’s tourism responsibilities and handed them to the wealthier Department of Canadian Heritage in 2013. Which, as of this past summer, moved the tourism centre back to its old home, combining more general information with the specific services for visitors to Parliament itself in “a familiar location.”

Sharing the space now makes it more cost-effective than it was, said a statement from the Department of Canadian Heritage, relayed via email by spokesman Len Westerberg.

“The move to the World Exchange Plaza, although centrally located, proved to be a less optimal location to welcome visitors to the Capital Region, as it was away from the main visitor pedestrian routes,” the statement said. The department wanted someplace more central and visible, particularly in anticipation of throngs of tourists coming to Ottawa for Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

The cost to move back: $44,567, including $14,500 to put the signs back up and $975 to “reconfigure and repair” the custom brochure rack.

dreevely@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/davidreevely

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-...gain-cost-367k

[JM1]

Okay, so the LRT can move maybe 10,000 people per hour. How long would it take to fill a 20,000 seat arena/stadium. Assuming people come from both directions -- about 1 hour. But that is only if everyone else stops using the LRT. No dice.

In Toronto, you have people who walk to AC/Bell Centre from their downtown condo or from work iin the CBD. You also have multiple high capacity lines at union Station (multiple GO lines, Queens Quay LRT, Subway) plus King Street and Spadina Street cars (I suspect that with the new streetcars on Spadina, they have considerable capacity connecting to East West Streetcars on Kng, Queen, and College, and to the Bloor-Danforth Line.

Originally Posted by phil235

It's not crazy at all. In fact, almost every major sports arena that has been built in North America in the last 15 years has been built downtown. An arena like the ACC or the Bell Centre greatly contribute the vibrancy of the city, and they certainly aren't "empty shells" most of the time, as they are host upwards of 150 or 200 events per year.

In Ottawa, you don't have the transit capacity to manage a stadium or arena -- even with the LRT.

If you put the arena at Startop you would be slightly more central, but it would be the same story - most people would drive and you would lose an opportunity for synergies with bars, restaurants, festivals etc.

[c_speed3108]

The difference with a downtown-ish stadium or arena is that transportation works on having so many options. 20000 would not all be on the LRT at the same time. Some would, some would be on bus routes, some would walk, and even some would drive.

TD place has demonstrated this. 7500 or so are on various OC Transpo routes, 5000 on OSEGs shuttles, some one STO buses, about 500 or so on bikes, there is a small amount of on site parking that goes to club seats. Some park nearby. There is a huge number of people walking up from centretown. It's very apparent.

The other variable is time. Before and after the game parties and events spread the crowd dispersal out. People come early and visit bars and restaurants in the area. So really don't have just one hour to work with. There is really 2 or 3 hours. Suddenly the numbers work much better :-)

[1overcosc]

Transportation at a downtown arena would be infinitely better than at the current site. Right now everybody drives on the same highway to get off at the same exit to take the same left turn to get to the same parking lot. A downtown arena would be diffuse. Some would stay downtown after work, others would take transit, others would park somewhere and walk, etc.

Also, 10,000 per hour is not the capacity of the Confederation Line. That's the expected number of people who will use at its busiest time at opening. It's "out-of-the-box" capacity is 24,000. That can get even higher with signalling improvements.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by c_speed3108

The difference with a downtown-ish stadium or arena is that transportation works on having so many options. 20000 would not all be on the LRT at the same time. Some would, some would be on bus routes, some would walk, and even some would drive.

TD place has demonstrated this. 7500 or so are on various OC Transpo routes, 5000 on OSEGs shuttles, some one STO buses, about 500 or so on bikes, there is a small amount of on site parking that goes to club seats. Some park nearby. There is a huge number of people walking up from centretown. It's very apparent.

The other variable is time. Before and after the game parties and events spread the crowd dispersal out. People come early and visit bars and restaurants in the area. So really don't have just one hour to work with. There is really 2 or 3 hours. Suddenly the numbers work much better :-)

Exactly, there are far more transportation options downtown. The LRT would take the brunt, but there will still be buses to take some of the load, and others would drive, bike or walk.

Ottawa is no different from Toronto in the sense that there is a large workforce downtown. Those who drive could leave their cars parked and walk to the arena. And we can't discount the significant residential population in or near downtown who would almost certainly walk.

As you pointed out, Lansdowne has demonstrated beyond any doubt that a centrally-located stadium works better than one on the suburban fringe, and that is without the benefit of adjacent rapid transit.

[rocketphish]

Capital Urbanism Lab Event: Design Excellence
Dynamic Discussion With Governor General’s Award Recipients

The National Capital Commission (NCC), in conjunction with Ottawa Architecture Week, the NCC is pleased to present a dynamic discussion on the subject of design excellence with governor general’s award recipients. This discussion will contribute to the NCC’s pursuit of superior design and architecture in the Capital.

Participants:

Manon Asselin, Atelier TAG, Montreal
Alar Kongats, Kongats Architects, Toronto
Diarmuid Nash, Moriyama Teshima Architects, Toronto
Colin Neufeld, 5468796 architecture, Winnipeg

Moderator: Maria Cook, Manager, Communications and Advocacy, at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

This event is open to the public. Please RSVP by sending your name and email address to info@ncc-ccn.ca.

When?
Friday, October 3, 2014
1 pm to 3:30 pm

Where?
NCC Headquarters
40 Elgin Street, 5th Floor Capital Urbanism Lab
Ottawa ON K1P 1C7
Questions or Comments

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.

Telephone: 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free)
TTY: 613-239-5090 or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free)
Fax: 613-239-5063
Email: info@ncc-ccn.ca

Thank you for your interest in the National Capital Commission.


http://www.ncc-ccn.gc.ca/about-ncc/u...ign-excellence

[citydwlr]

Another event (regarding the intersection at Colonel By and Clegg) is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2014:

Open House: Colonel By Drive and Clegg Street Crossing Improvements

As part of the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) ongoing efforts to improve the level of comfort and safety of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the parkways, the NCC and the City of Ottawa are working on the planning and design for the crossing point at Colonel By Drive and Clegg Street. This is the third crossing improvement to be implemented, following the 2011 Rideau Canal Pedestrian Crossings Study and community consultations.

We invite you to attend an open house, where NCC and City of Ottawa staff will explain the various proposed improvements, answer your questions and receive your feedback.

When?
Thursday, December 11, 2014
5:30 pm to 8 pm

Where?
Saint Paul University
Laframboise Hall, Room L120
223 Main Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 1C4

The panels will be posted on this page on Friday, December 12. If you cannot attend the open house, please send your comments to info@ncc-ccn.ca by Friday, December 19, 2014.

[citydwlr]

Joanne Chianello (Ottawa Citizen) posted some new information on Twitter this morning regarding the latest Design revisions to 7 Clarence:

Here's the new design for 7 Clarence presented this morning by the @NCC_CCN #ottnews


7:38 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

And here's the "back" or courtyard side of 7 Clarence. Pretty good if can't save the original.


7:39 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

7 Clarence will be offered to foreign missions for expositions during 2017, says Kristmanson (so no restaurant).

7:41 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

.@NCC_CCN looking to go to built-heritage subcommittee on Mar 12, then planning and council. Looking to finish building by fall 2016.

7:55 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

Not sure what the use will be post-2017, but @NCC_CCN board has said no restaurants, so market locals will be pleased. Pretty small space.

7:57 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

Kristmanson suggests another session later on to discuss public art for the building.

8:00 AM - 14 Jan 2015

[Source]

[BlackRedGold]

Originally Posted by c_speed3108

The difference with a downtown-ish stadium or arena is that transportation works on having so many options. 20000 would not all be on the LRT at the same time. Some would, some would be on bus routes, some would walk, and even some would drive.

TD place has demonstrated this. 7500 or so are on various OC Transpo routes, 5000 on OSEGs shuttles, some one STO buses, about 500 or so on bikes, there is a small amount of on site parking that goes to club seats. Some park nearby. There is a huge number of people walking up from centretown. It's very apparent.

The other variable is time. Before and after the game parties and events spread the crowd dispersal out. People come early and visit bars and restaurants in the area. So really don't have just one hour to work with. There is really 2 or 3 hours. Suddenly the numbers work much better :-)

TD Place hasn't demonstrated anything other than people will put up with a bad location if there's enough hype. Going to see minor league football during summer weekends is not the same as a weeknight winter hockey game.

Going to see Senators games at Landsdowne was far more painful than off of the 417. The 67's are hurting at the box office because they no longer have lots of parking.

That being said, Lebreton is a better option than Landsdowne, which is a stupid place to put a major sports facility due to lack of highway access and rapid transit, since at least Lebreton isn't pinned in by two 2 lane roads.

[lrt's friend]

Originally Posted by BlackRedGold

TD Place hasn't demonstrated anything other than people will put up with a bad location if there's enough hype. Going to see minor league football during summer weekends is not the same as a weeknight winter hockey game.

Going to see Senators games at Landsdowne was far more painful than off of the 417. The 67's are hurting at the box office because they no longer have lots of parking.

That being said, Lebreton is a better option than Landsdowne, which is a stupid place to put a major sports facility due to lack of highway access and rapid transit, since at least Lebreton isn't pinned in by two 2 lane roads.

I beg to differ on that one.