NCC buys former Rideau Street Chapters building
The National Capital Commission has purchased an empty storefront near the corner of Rideau Street and Sussex Drive that was once occupied by Chapters, the NCC has confirmed.
The Chapters on Rideau Street had been in business since 1996, but closed in 2022 when parent company Indigo opened a new store in the CF Rideau Centre mall across the street.
Sources tell CTV News Ottawa that the NCC purchased the property at 47-57 Rideau St. for more than $20 million.
In a statement, the NCC confirmed it had bought the property, but did not disclose the sale price.
"This building was purchased because it is considered part of the National Interest Land Mass (NILM) due to its prominent location along Confederation Boulevard, and its potential to bring new life to this area of the downtown core," the NCC said.
It's unclear what the NCC plans to do with the space, but sources say the Crown corporation will be seeking tenants. The NCC says it is actively engaged in "confidential discussions with a proponent" and expects to be able to provide further details "in the coming weeks."
Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stéphanie Plante said she is excited to see what the NCC will do with the space.
"In an ideal world, it would be like some sort of indoor market where we could bring tourists from either side of Rideau Street or George Street to see some of our merchants and our ByWard Market sellers, but we will have to see what they have in store," said Plante. "Lots of opportunities, lots of good news on the horizon for downtown and I look forward to getting a briefing from the NCC as to what they have in mind."
The NCC is the largest property owner in the national capital region. It owns more than 1,600 properties in Ottawa and Gatineau, including several commercial, residential and heritage buildings, in addition to the capital's six official residences.
"The NCC is a key community partner to the revitalization of downtown," said Plante. "They have sat in on various committees with this very discussion and, as you know, (CEO) Tobi Nubsbaum was a previous city councillor so he really understands some of the challenges we’re facing down here. I'm very looking forward to getting their briefing. We really want to make sure that it has some community usage and keeping it in public hands is really a great idea."
According to the NCC's 2022-2023 annual report, commercial property leasing in the last fiscal year brought in $19.8 million in revenue.
--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Graham Richardson, John Crupi, and Tyler Fleming.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.