HERITAGE OTTAWA

Heritage Ottawa welcomed the opportunity to review the preliminary directions proposed in the National Capital Commission's (NCC) Draft Parkways Planning and Design Guidelines for the National Capital Region's scenic parkways. Our submission, dated October 8, 2024, reviews the preliminary guidelines and offers insights into the importance of preserving the parkways' rich and diverse heritage features and attributes. 

Recognized as part of the capital’s valued cultural landscapes, NCC parkways are designed in harmony with their surrounding corridors, incorporating viewpoints as well as heritage, cultural, ecological and environmental features. 

Today the parkway network spans over 90 km, connecting waterfronts, parks and green spaces while linking important landmarks such as Parliament Hill, national museums and institutions. The new planning and design guidelines will guide decisions and future projects while recognizing the parkways' legacy and heritage.

"Heritage Ottawa applauds the National Capital Commission for its efforts to update the 1984 Parkways and Driveways Policy in the shape of new planning and design guidelines, with a view to guide decisions and actions and to ensure that the parkways remain attractive, scenic and safe for the enjoyment of all users," states our submission to the NCC. 

Heritage Ottawa, however, urges the NCC to include the conservation of the historic integrity of the parkways as unique and valued landscapes by implementing best practices into a parkways management plan. We look forward to the next draft, "including an articulation of the understanding as to where value lies, and how to ensure the corresponding physical elements/attributes (character) are protected today and for future generations."

CLICK HERE to read Heritage Ottawa's submission in its entirety.

For more information about the National Capital Region's scenic parkways, visit the NCC website.