One of the OIC’s first projects was the Rideau Canal Driveway, now the Queen Elizabeth Driveway, pictured here circa 1903.
The National Capital Commission turns 60 this year and, this year also, celebrates the 120th anniversary of the federal government’s initiatives towards building, planning, preserving, managing and developing an inspiring capital that make Canadians proud. It all began in 1899, with Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier.
What started out as an effort aimed at beautifying the Capital, over the years became the Commission, a dedication to planning, development and conservation.
The NCC has the stewardship of 536 square kilometres of land straddling both sides of the Ottawa River, about 11 percent of Canada’s Capital Region. The long-term functioning and experience of the Capital requires this land to be held in trust as a legacy for future generations of Canadians.
1899 Ottawa Improvement Commission
1927 Federal District Commission
1938 Acquisition of land in the Gatineau Hills and creation of Gatineau Park.
1950 Acquisition of rural land surrounding Ottawa to create the Capital’s Greenbelt, which is now the largest greenbelt of its kind in the world.
1959 National Capital Commission
1970-1971 The NCC first opens the Rideau Canal Skateway.
1971 The NCC closes the parkways to motorists to create ‘Sunday Bikedays.’
Discover—or rediscover—Canada’s Capital history through historical pictures, annual reports, blogs and more on the NCC 120th webpage:
ncc-ccn.gc.ca/120-years-of-capital-building
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