About Us
The National Capital Commission is the federal Crown corporation dedicated to ensuring that Canada’s Capital is a dynamic and inspiring source of pride for all Canadians, and a legacy for generations to come.
Building on more than a century of experience, the NCC provides unique value in the Capital Region by fulfilling three specific roles: long-term planner of federal lands, principal steward of nationally significant public places, and creative partner committed to excellence in development and conservation.
Long-term planner
The NCC is the main federal urban planner in Canada’s Capital Region. In this role, the NCC works in collaboration with stakeholders to enhance the natural and cultural character of the Capital. The NCC ensures that the highest standards of excellence in urban and architectural design are upheld. The NCC’s goal is for Canada’s Capital Region to be a model of urban planning: a place where decisions about the use and development of urban lands are based on considerations of environmental sensitivity, sustainability and best practices.
The NCC and its predecessors have more than 100 years of experience in Capital planning.
Principal steward
As the largest landowner in Canada’s Capital Region, the NCC cares for and protects vital public places that are unique to our nation’s symbolic, natural and cultural heritage.
As steward of these holdings, the NCC manages Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway, urban lands and parks, pathways, scenic parkways, real property and heritage buildings, agricultural and research facilities, and commemorative monuments. It is also the custodian of the Capital’s six official residences.
The NCC continuously improves its assets so they remain a legacy for future generations.
Creative partner
A capital is a shared place and a shared responsibility. As a creative partner, the NCC promotes and contributes to excellence in development and conservation, to strengthen the distinctive quality of Canada’s Capital Region for Canadians and international visitors.
The NCC encourages creativity and innovation in everything it does. This means building strong relationships with people and organizations throughout the region and across the country, including local municipalities and Indigenous communities.
To foster dialogue and innovation in the planning and stewardship of the Capital, the NCC created the Capital Urbanism Lab, where lectures, events and public consultations take place on a regular basis.
Facts about the NCC
The National Capital Commission is a federal Crown corporation created by Canada’s Parliament in 1959 under the National Capital Act. Its predecessors were the Federal District Commission, created in 1927, and the Ottawa Improvement Commission, created in 1899.
The corporation is responsible for planning, as well as taking part in the development, conservation and improvement of Canada’s Capital Region.
The NCC is subject to the accountability regime set out in Part X of the Financial Administration Act. It reports to Parliament through the minister designated as minister responsible for the National Capital Act.
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As the Capital’s largest property owner, the NCC owns and manages more than 11 percent of all lands in Canada’s Capital Region. We also own more than 1,600 properties in our real estate portfolio, including the Capital’s six official residences; commercial, residential and heritage buildings; and agricultural facilities.
The NCC makes a significant economic contribution to Canada’s Capital Region, awarding about 4,000 contracts a year, valued at some $53 million. Our green assets, such as Gatineau Park, also support job creation and economic development, and are a valuable source of natural capital.
