For decades, one of Ottawa’s prime pieces of real estate has been one of its biggest eyesores. The undeveloped lands of Lebreton Flats left mostly vacant, except for a few condo developments.
Now, the National Capital Commission is looking for outside idea to bring life to the land just minutes from Ottawa’s downtown core.
“The NCC has learned from the first round of development of Lebreton Flats that we really should step back and let the creativity and innovation come from the private sector,” says Dr. Mark Kristmanson, NCC CEO.
So a Request for Qualifications is being released asking designers and developers to showcase their visions for the 20 hectares of waterfront property.
“If we wanted to slap up some soulless, ugly condominiums we could do that very, very quickly. But let's take some time to get it right,” says John Baird, Minister responsible for the NCC.
The NCC says it wants the development to be anchored on a central institution that will serve as a draw regionally, nationally and even internationally.
Some ideas already being floated around include a new home for Ottawa’s new main library as endorsed by mayor Jim Watson or perhaps the relocation of the Canada Science and Technology Museum now closed due to mould.
Baird says a new museum wouldn’t be realized for at least another five years. Kristmanson is hoping for some substantial improvements much earlier.
“My appointment is five year. I would like to see something done on my watch. And I think the community has waited for decades for this development,” he says.
A clear favourite on social media is to have the home of the Ottawa Senators relocated downtown.
When asked the question, Senators Sports and Entertainment said it had no comment at this point.
With a report from CTV’s John Hua
