Our Plans

As long-term planner, the NCC guides the use, physical development and management of federal lands in the National Capital Region.

The Plan for Canada's Capital

The Plan for Canada's Capital

The National Capital Commission is proud to present the Plan for Canada’s Capital, 2017–2067, the signature planning framework that will shape the vision for the nation’s capital until Canada’s bicentennial in 2067.


Master plans

Gatineau Park Master Plan

Gatineau Park Master Plan

The Gatineau Park Master Plan is the long-term plan for the development, use and management of Gatineau Park, the Capital’s conservation park.

Greenbelt Master Plan

Greenbelt Master Plan

The NCC’s Greenbelt Master Plan guides the preservation and use of Canada’s Capital Greenbelt.

 The Capital Urban Lands Plan

The Capital Urban Lands Plan

The Capital Urban Lands Plan (2015) is a land use plan to guide the planning, protection and development of federal urban lands in the Capital.

Canada's Capital Core Area Sector Plan

Canada's Capital Core Area Sector Plan

The plan sets out how federal government lands in this core area will be developed until 2025.


Demonstration Plans

Capital Illumination Plan

Capital Illumination Plan

The 10-year illumination plan aims to enrich the nighttime environment in the heart of the Capital, as well as the experience it provides for visitors.

Ottawa River North Shore

Ottawa River North Shore Parklands Plan

One of the NCC’s priorities is to facilitate public access to the Capital’s shorelines. We are currently in the process of finalizing our Ottawa River North Shore Parklands Plan.

Capital Pathway Network Strategic Plan

The NCC Capital Pathway Network Strategic Plan presents a comprehensive vision and strategy for planning, managing and expanding the pathway system.

  • Confederation Heights Sector Plan (2000)
  • The Central Experimental Farm National Historic Site Management Plan (2004)
  • Leamy Lake Park Sector Plan (1997)
  • LeBreton Flats Area Plan

Environmental Strategy: Building a greener capital

Sustainable Development Strategy, 2018–2023

The NCC Sustainable Development Strategy is our road map to continue building a greener Capital Region.


Planning mandate and process

As mandated by the National Capital Act, the NCC prepares plans for federal lands in the National Capital Region. These plans act as a blueprint for building a great capital.

As long-term planner, the NCC guides the use, physical development and management of NCC-owned lands, which is about 11 percent of all land in the Capital Region. We also coordinate the development of lands owned by other federal departments and agencies.

Planning principles

Greenbelt, Pine Grove Forest

Greenbelt, Pine Grove Forest

To support the long-term development of Canada’s Capital and to meet the expectations Canadians have of their capital, NCC planners apply the following principles:

  • Symbolism — The Capital should tell Canadians about themselves and introduce Canada to people from abroad
  • Beauty — The Capital should be a physical place of high quality
  • Greenery — The Capital should be a model of a healthy and sustainable environment
  • Stewardship — Historical buildings, parks and archaeological treasures should be protected
  • Orientation — Visitors to the Capital should be able to find all the services they need
  • Safety, comfort and accessibility — Federal lands and buildings should be identifiable, offer pleasing and secure surroundings, and be universally accessible
  • Transportation and communication — The Capital should be linked by good connections, with everything from bus routes and bicycle paths to electronic network

Planning process

The federal planning process comprises the following elements.

The plans we develop stem from the Plan for Canada’s Capital, and must consider 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

The NCC 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.

The NCC ensures that capital plans for the Capital respect applicable legal, regulatory and policy requirements, as described below.

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.

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.



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