The four groups creating development proposals for the LeBreton Flats are being given six extra weeks by the NCC to prepare their submissions for transforming the mostly vacant downtown property into a vibrant new community.
The extension from an initial Oct. 30 deadline to Dec. 15 was made after requests from two of the teams competing to lead the Flats redevelopment. The NCC refuses to name the two teams.
NCC spokesman Mario Tremblay says the four groups are competing for a 9.3-hectare plot of land (approximately the size of 17 football fields) which is located south of the war museum.
There is already some significant residential development completed in the eastern area of the LeBreton Flats as several condominium buildings have been constructed for a current population of around 400. Hermann Kerchoff, a four-year resident of the Flats explains why he finds this area so valuable.
“I really like it here: it’s downtown, it’s wide open, with beautiful views,” Kerckoff says. “The sight of the riverfront in the fall is unbeatable.”
Tremblay agrees that this is an ideal area for development.
“It was identified as a prime location just west of the parliamentary precinct, it’s one of the biggest undeveloped areas around the Ottawa River,” Tremblay says.
The condominiums were built by Claridge Homes, one of the four competitors for the remaining undeveloped land.
According to the NCC website, “Claridge Homes proposes indoor and outdoor concert facilities, cultural enterprises surrounded by green spaces, and residential and commercial developments.”
Another team with a proposal is the Gatineau-based Devcore construction company.
“Devcore group proposes a concept with multiple cultural institutions developed around a grande allée, green spaces, and residential and commercial developments,” says the NCC.
Focus Equities, based in Victoria, B.C., has also placed a bid.
“Focus Equities proposes to house the headquarters of an international organization, accompanied by cultural venues, green spaces, and residential and commercial developments,” according to the NCC’s summary of its proposal.
The fourth group, the RendezVous LeBreton Group, includes the Senators Sports and Entertainment.