City Committee Votes to Protect Green Space Targeted by the NCC

Ottawa city councillors have voted to maintain zoning protections for two key stretches of urban greenspace that the National Capital Commission (NCC) is eyeing for future housing. The decision came during a joint meeting of the city’s planning committees reviewing a major overhaul of Ottawa’s zoning bylaw.

The vote followed hours of emotional deputations from residents, conservation groups, and community advocates who warned that development along these corridors would fracture the Poets’ Pathway—a 35-kilometre loop connecting Britannia Beach to Beechwood Cemetery and marked by plaques honouring Canadian poets.

What areas are at stake?

The debate focused on two pathway corridors running alongside rail lines:

• The stretch from the Airport Parkway to the Rideau River, surrounding McCarthy Woods

• The corridor along the Beachburg rail line between Merivale Road and Woodroffe Avenue

While McCarthy Woods itself is not being rezoned, surrounding lands are, and residents fear development would break the continuity of the pathway and damage a rare urban ecosystem.

Why the concern?

Earlier drafts of the zoning update—made at the NCC’s request—reclassified these lands as “development reserve,”signalling future housing. Community members said this would make development a foregone conclusion on lands currently zoned for greenspace, institutional, or industrial uses.

“These intact remnants of what healthy urban habitat looks like are extremely rare,” one local environmental advocate told councillors, describing the area’s birdlife, butterflies, and long-used walking trails.

NCC: housing crisis requires action

In a statement, the NCC said the lands were already identified for housing in the city’s Official Plan and that rezoning simply implements that policy. Citing the housing crisis, the NCC said it is reviewing underused federal lands for development, including affordable housing, while noting that some forested and riverfront areas are intended to remain protected.

City pushes back—within limits

River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington introduced a motion to restore most of the existing zoning protections and require meaningful public engagement before any changes. The motion passed.

However, councillors and senior staff were clear about a hard reality: the city cannot ultimately stop the NCC. As Planning Committee Chair Jeff Leiper warned, the federal government can develop its land with or without municipal approval.

City officials confirmed the NCC has the authority to override municipal zoning.

What happens next?

Although the committee vote preserves protections for now, the full zoning bylaw will go to City Council in January. Even if council upholds the protections, the NCC could still proceed independently.

Why this matters to Island Park Community

This decision underscores a broader concern for communities across Ottawa, including Island Park: urban greenspaces and connected pathways remain vulnerable when federal land decisions move faster than local consultation. The committee’s vote sends a strong signal—but the outcome is far from settled.

IPCA will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for transparent planning, genuine public consultation, and the long-term protection of Ottawa’s green corridors.