The National Capital Region will undergo a variety of changes over the next 25 years that will improve transportation infrastructure, tourism and perhaps even allow boaters to travel up the Ottawa River from the St. Lawrence, said Marcel Beaudry on Tuesday.
At a networking luncheon hosted by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Beaudry, chairman of the National Capital Commission, discussed the incremental changes that will slowly transform the city.
With the help of the City of Ottawa, the NCC has implemented the last leg of work on Confederation Boulevard. The final touches will see the road stretch to Rideau Hall. Beaudry said the completion of the project is expected in 2006.
St. Laurent Boulevard will witness its share of action with $5 million committed by the NCC for visual enhancements. Transport Canada will oversee the completion of the Mountain Road connection that will connect McConnell-Laramie to Hwy. 50. Beaudry said Transport Canada will absorb 50 per cent of the total cost of $60 to $70 million.
"St. Laurent Boulevard needed to be addressed because it is an important entrance to the capital. Combined with the McConnell-Laramie entrance, it will be nice for both sides of the river," he said.
Plans for the extension of Bank Street to the Ottawa River has gathered lots of support from the community in recent months. Completion of the project is expected in eight to 10 years.
Sparks Street mall will undergo major revitalization efforts. Most of the attention right now is centred on the area between O'Connor and Metcalfe streets. All aspects of the pedestrian mall are under the microscope. Beaudry said he recognizes the importance for visitors to the capital to have a site where they can shop, eat, and experience a lifestyle that is in line with the quality of Ottawa.
"As we all know, the mall has been suffering for many years and something needed to be done in the way of revitalization."
The federal government handed $40 million to the NCC to acquire property for the project.
The most upscale constructions will occur on LeBreton Flats, an area still polluted by the heavy industries that existing in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Heavily criticized over the years for not developing the area, the NCC said it was important to note it only had control over 75 per cent of the land. The other 25 per cent was owned by the City of Ottawa.
In 1999, the city turned the streets over to the NCC for a cost of $1 per street with the understanding the commission would fund the work, then sell the streets back to the city for the same nominal fee.
One year later, the NCC obtained $100 million from the federal government to proceed with clean-up efforts, convincing it that the Flats were the perfect setting for the new Canadian War Museum. The museum was given $85 million by the government and $15 million from public collections to fund the new facility, although Beaudry said it might still be short $15 million to $20 million due to increases in cost. The opening of the new facility is set for May 7, 2005.
Plans for Victoria Island involve an aboriginal centre. Concept land may be available in May, and cost appraisals must still be done. Beaudry estimates the cost at $50 million.
"The site is very important to them, and it's a crucial component of the Capital. It will represent all aboriginals and host international meetings."
And although it may not happen for sometime, Beaudry speculated on opening up the Ottawa River so boats can come in from the St. Lawrence River. Today, the cost of such a project would be more than $50 million. Beaudry said that if the NCC has its way, the project would be set to begin in 15 to 20 years.
— By Dan Lyons
