The NCC is responsible for preparing plans for federal lands in Canada’s Capital Region. The planning process includes:

• incorporating key planning considerations
• collaborating with partners
• respecting the regulatory framework
• commissioning and evaluating plans.

Planning Considerations

NCC plans are interconnected and developed within a planning hierarchy. Each plan stems from the overarching Plan for Canada’s Capital and needs to align with its vision.

When creating plans, the NCC considers the following:

• the future needs of the Capital and the federal government
• lands of national interest
• the natural environment
• quality of life/well-being
• heritage and the built environment
• transportation and accessibility
• programming and visitor activities
• feasibility and implementation factors
• public participation
• municipal objectives.

Planning Partners

An integrated planning process is required to make Canada’s Capital Region a place of pride for Canadians, now and in the future. Canada’s Capital Region falls under the jurisdiction of three levels of government:

• federal
• provincial (Ontario and Quebec)
• municipal (Ottawa, Gatineau and smaller communities in the region).

Plans affecting the region can come from any one of these governments. The NCC represents the federal government and works with provincial and municipal partners to ensure the greatest harmony between plans in Canada’s Capital Region.

The NCC is part of a number of collaborations and partnerships with these and other partners.

Regulatory Framework

The NCC ensures that capital plans respect applicable legal, regulatory and policy requirements. This includes the following:

Federal Land Use, Transaction and Design Approvals

The NCC ensures that any changes to federal properties fit with current plans and are of a quality that reflects their significance and location.

Environmental Assessments

The NCC looks at every plan and project through an environmental lens to ensure environmental protection and/or provide mitigation measures. We are guided by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the NCC Environmental Strategy.

Heritage and Archaeological Resources

The NCC is committed to heritage preservation. We apply relevant federal heritage policies and international standards when reviewing federal properties in Canada’s Capital Region.

Commissioning and Evaluation

The last step in the planning process involves “commissioning” and evaluating the plan. “Commissioning” a plan means setting a plan in motion by outlining who does what and when. An evaluation means looking at a plan a number of years after its approval to see if it still makes sense and is charting the best course.