Canada Lands Company launches Rockcliffe redevelopment in Ottawa

OTTAWA November 8, 2012 — Canada’s capital is one step closer to having a new and world class urban community just a few kilometres from Parliament Hill. After much anticipation, Canada Lands Company CLC Limited (CLC), owner since 2011 of the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe, announced today the renewal of planning and public consultation for the redevelopment of the property, which will begin with a community Ideas Fair slated for Monday, November 26, at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

“Rockcliffe represents one of the most significant community building opportunities in Ottawa”, said Robert Howald, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Canada Lands Company.

This project is moving forward thanks to the collaboration of the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), and the Participation Agreement struck between the AOO and CLC. The Agreement provides for ongoing consultation throughout the planning and development process as well as commemoration of Algonquin heritage and economic participation.

“We are pleased to participate with CLC in this exciting project which will celebrate the Algonquin presence in the Nation’s Capital while contributing to the economic vitality of the region,” said Robert J. Potts, Principal Negotiator and Senior Legal Counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario.

In keeping with CLC’s commitment to commemorating the legacy of its significant sites, CLC will honour the important military history as well as the First Nations heritage and legacy of the land.

“CLC is excited by the potential of this site as one of the city’s most promising canvases. We want to build a neighbourhood that the entire City of Ottawa can be proud of and we look forward to working with the community to help us create it”, CLC Senior VP Robert Howald added.

The company has just completed building its project team. Leading the development process for this property is CLC’s real estate director for Rockcliffe Don Schultz. “We have put in place a strong development team that is very committed to this project’s success. These individuals will all be on hand at the Ideas Fair”, said Mr. Schultz.

To keep Ottawans informed, CLC also launched a brand new website, wateridge.ca, which will provide the latest news and information about the site, consultation process and events.

“We want to develop an innovative neighbourhood that sets the highest standards for strong design, sustainable development and economic viability,” said Mr. Howald. “We are aiming to provide an appropriate mix of uses in housing, employment and amenities, while making sure there are significant natural features and public spaces”. 

Unique Opportunity

Situated close to Ottawa’s urban core, the 310-acre (125-hectare) site at Rockcliffe is a unique opportunity to integrate a large, former military base into its surrounding community. Building off the most recent best practices in community planning and principles of sustainable development that have led to award-winning projects in Chilliwack, Edmonton and Calgary, CLC promises to develop a progressive community that will add to the vibrancy of Ottawa, and will honour Rockcliffe’s past while guiding it firmly into the future.

The Ideas Fair will be held from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature presentations at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., along with interactive stations where the public can speak with project team members throughout the evening.

For more information about CLC’s Rockcliffe redevelopment and community consultation events, please visitwww.clcrockcliffe.ca.

About CLC

CLC is a federal Crown corporation that optimizes the financial and community value obtained from surplus strategic properties no longer required by the Government of Canada. The company is self-financing and implements innovative, sustainable property solutions to create strong and competitive communities wherever it operates.

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For more information:

Manon Lapensée
Canada Lands Company
416-952-6112
@email