What the NCC views as secret
The NCC briefs itself on its Sparks Street strategy.
The Ottawa Citizen -- Final City Section, February 3, 2000 Ken Gray The National Capital Commission has long been criticized for holding closed meetings and not being forthcoming about its plans. Documents obtained by the Citizen through an Access to Information request provide a window on what the Crown corporation chooses to keep secret. They reveal the nature of the NCC's public relations strategy and what kind of documents it divulges. One paper, stamped "secret" by the NCC, contains the working principles behind the future use of the old U.S. embassy building on Wellington Street. The principles, which the NCC wanted withheld from the public, called the old U.S. embassy location the most important "uncommitted" site in the capital. In addition, the "secret" document said re-use of the embassy site should respect its heritage and take advantage of the location for future generations. As well as the "secret" paper, a number of pages are classified as "protected," a lower level of confidentiality. These include what appear to be briefing notes for someone making an appearance before the press. Dated Aug. 16, 1999, they discuss the impending sale of 100 Sparks St., a controversial deal in which the NCC paid $9.2 million for a building appraisers estimated to be worth between $5.5 million and $6 million. The deal was completed on Jan. 4. After another land deal was revealed later in the month, the NCC held a news conference explaining its intention for the city block bordered by Sparks, Metcalfe, Queen and O'Connor streets. Many of the transactions the Crown corporation conducts would normally be done by a municipality if the NCC were not in place. This grates on critics who feel the public should have the opportunity to have local decisions decided by an elected council rather than an appointed body. In addition, the NCC has an "arms-length" relationship with the Canadian Heritage department, to which it is responsible. As a result, Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps does not comment on NCC affairs. The result is the NCC is not responsible in practice to its minister or the public. The following is a transcript of the August preparation notes with the NCC posing and answering its own questions. - - - Core Area Q&As Possible Questions and Answers Q. Is it true the NCC is negotiating (with Sparks Properties Limited) to purchase property at 96-100 Sparks Street? A. I cannot comment on any queries with regard to property transactions as they are of a commercial nature. Q. We've had confirmation from the current owner that the NCC has made an offer to purchase his property at the corner of Sparks and Metcalfe. What is the NCC's position? A. The National Capital Commission is investigating the possibility of purchasing some properties now to preserve these lands for future capital needs. Q. Does this mean the NCC is going ahead with its plans to widen Metcalfe Street? A. No. The NCC made it quite clear in February 1999 that the ideas to widen Metcalfe Street, as presented in June 1998, have been withdrawn. The public strongly supported the revitalization of the core and especially the area south of Wellington Street as an important gateway to Parliament Hill. Over the last few months, the NCC has been working with interested parties, including federal departments, the Region of Ottawa-Carleton, the City of Ottawa, as well as special interest groups such as the local BIAs, tourism and community associations on concept plans for this area to ensure it future vitality. As a result of the previous public consultations, such issues as traffic, parking, residential components and year-round animation will be addressed and integrated into the draft plans. Further public consultations on the draft concept plans are targeted for fall '99 and again in the year 2000. Q. How much is the NCC offering for the piece of land? A. Cannot discuss the details. Q. What's the rush? Why do it now? A. The National Capital Commission is investigating the possibility of purchasing some properties now to preserve these lands for future capital needs. Q. Will the NCC expropriate? A. The NCC has always said that it would not expropriate and that is still the case. Q. What will happen to the building if the NCC purchases it? Will you tear it down? A. The National Capital Commission is interested in purchasing some properties now to preserve these lands for future capital needs. Specific long-range uses for the property will be determined through the planning process for the core area. Over the last few months, the NCC has been working with interested parties, including federal departments, the Region of Ottawa-Carleton, the City of Ottawa, as well as special interest groups such as BIAs (business improvements areas), tourism and community associations on concept plans for this area to ensure its future vitality. As a result of the previous public consultations, such issues as traffic, parking, residential components and year-round animation will be addressed and integrated into the draft plans. Further public consultations on the draft concept plans are targeted for fall '99 and again in the year 2000. - - - The Citizen's Access request received 174 of 431 pages or about 40 per cent of NCC documents deemed relevant to the Sparks-Metcalfe and old U.S. embassy project. A previous Access release on the same topic in December yielded 23 per cent of relevant NCC documents. Copyright Ottawa Citizen 2000 All Rights Reserved.