The Devcore proposal for Lebreton reimagined
More than two-and-a-half years after it lost out to the National Capital Commission’s preferred bid in the competition to redevelop LeBreton Flats, the Devcore Canderel DLS Group sees a second chance at implementing its vision for the downtown area.
In statement released Thursday, Devcore announced its belief that the NCC is “legally obliged” to negotiate with the group now that its negotiations with the preferred proponent, RendezVous LeBreton Group, have been severed.
“DCDLS is prepared to enter into such negotiations,” the group said, noting that “practically speaking, a decision to re-start the process would potentially lead to years of delay, the risk of a fragmented development plan and potentially to no development at all.”
In the statement, Devcore expressed its willingness to “modify or drop” the elements of its original proposal “that may not have met all of the commission’s aspirations.”
Now seems an appropriate time to revisit that proposal, titled Canadensis LeBreton Re-Imagined.
The public got a look at the LeBreton Re-Imagined presentation at an open house held Jan. 26, 2016
Over three phases and 15 years, Devcore imagined the site would be built to include residential rental units, an 18,500-seat arena, an automotive museum, a YMCA and daycare, a French elementary school, two seniors’ living residences, Ottawa’s Central Library, pavilions featuring an aquarium and urban beach, green space, retail and more. The proposal revolved around “sustainability” and “connectivity” to surrounding sites and transportation routes that exist in the area, such as the Canadian War Museum, the O-Train and bike paths.
In early 2016, the NCC hosted in-person and online public consultations to gather feedback on proposals for LeBreton Flats by Devcore and the RendezVous LeBreton Group.
According an NCC report on the results, respondents noted the amount of greenspace and public space in the Devcore proposal as “strong points.” They felt the same of its amenities, including a grocery store, library and YMCA, and the “Canadensis Walk,” a sort of showcase pathway and public space that would wind through the site.
As for areas that could be improved, the public identified the proposed car museum as “unaligned with the development’s overall focus on the environment.” And they called for even more green and public space. Concerns were also raised that, “if successful, this proponent would face an Ottawa Senators hockey team that is unwilling to re-locate from Kanata.”
The proposal underwent evaluation by a five-member NCC committee, which ranked RendezVous LeBreton’s bid “clearly ahead” of Devcore’s, though the reasons for this have not been released.
Devcore proposal for Lebreton reimagined
In Thursday’s statement, Devcore noted that its initial proposal included a “major events centre” — the 18,500 seat arena — “when and if an agreement could be entered into with a prospective long-term tenant.”