Annual Report 2018–2019 Table of Contents
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Annual Report 2018–2019 Table of Contents 2 Message From the Chair 4 Message From the CEO 7 Placemaking in the Capital 12 The Year in Review 35 Leading by Example 39 Looking Forward 45 Corporate Governance 54 Management Discussion and Analysis 74 Financial Statements 108 Appendices Cover: First open to the public in summer 2018, Tavern on the Falls offers visitors a magnificent view of Rideau Falls, a landmark location on Confederation Boulevard. Photo : Shelley Bailey 2018–2019 Performance Highlights The NCC’s rental portfolio generated $20.2 million $20.2M in revenues. Over 15,000 citizens were engaged in planning, protecting 15,251 and building a vibrant National Capital Region. A total of 22 projects are currently under way, through funding from Budget 2018, in support of critical repair and 22 maintenance of NCC assets. This season, the Rideau Canal Skateway had a record 1,493,524 59 skating days, and welcomed nearly 1.5 million visitors. The number of kilometres of unofficial trails that were 16.5 integrated into the official trail network in Gatineau Park. More than 126,700 visitors passed through the Gatineau 126,753 Park Visitor Centre at 33 Scott Road in Chelsea, Quebec. The NCC recorded over one million social media interactions 1,087,636 across all platforms. Progress has been made on 28 of the 36 planned actions in the NCC’s Sustainable Development Strategy, 2018–2023, 28 in its first year of implementation. 1 Annual Report 2018–2019 NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR When I look back at the past year, I am pleased to note that the NCC has embarked on exciting, new initiatives, while building on past successes and continuing to advance a number of important projects already under way. his reflects the organization’s commitment to constantly building a better capital for the future, while safeguarding the import- ant legacies of the past. TI am also pleased to see the new NCC continuing to grow and evolve, honing its focus on modern human resource management. One of the NCC’s corporate priorities for the next year is to demonstrate corporate excellence so that it is recognized as an exemplary Crown agency and employer—one that sets a standard in this regard to which others can aspire. The NCC’s commitment to collaboration with the many partners, stakeholders and individual Canadians who share its vision of an inspiring capital remains one of its defining characteristics. Indeed, I think it con- tinues to grow stronger with each passing year. Directly related to this culture of collaboration is the NCC’s dedication to openness and transparency— the philosophy that the public’s business should be carried out in the public eye. And, in this regard, the NCC continues to seek new ways to keep members of the public informed and involved, through events, open meetings and an ever-increasing presence on social media. NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION Annual Report 2018–2019 2 Its culture of public consultation is also robust, and I would like to thank my fellow Board members the appetite for public involvement remains strong— for their counsel and their camaraderie. They are a as we have seen just recently in sessions related to the wonderful group of great Canadians who bring a real renewal of the Gatineau Park Master Plan, improve- diversity of talents, experience, perspectives and think- ments to Westboro Beach and, of course, the relaunch ing to our deliberations. The Capital and Canadians are of the process to redevelop LeBreton Flats, which has well served by their dedication and enthusiasm. early public engagement at its heart. I would like to thank the members of the pub- Also remaining strong is the NCC’s commitment lic, whose continued engagement and collaboration to reconciliation, and to dialogue and inclusion with in Capital building reflect their deep passion for regard to the Algonquin Nation, on whose ancestral the Capital. territory the Capital is located. And finally, I would like to thank the staff of the I would like to thank everyone—organizations NCC for the creativity and talent they bring every day and individuals—who have collaborated with the NCC to building a capital of which we can all be proud. in the past year, and encourage them to renew their Together—staff and Board members, partners and efforts in the years to come. stakeholders, communities and individuals—we are It is testament to the calibre of the people at the working hard to ensure that the Capital is an inspiring NCC that, in a year of change that saw a new minister source of pride for all Canadians, and the results speak assume responsibility for the organization, and a new for themselves. CEO take charge of its operations, its momentum has The NCC, like the Capital it serves, continues to never faltered. grow, evolve and improve—honouring a 120-year trad- That being said, I must salute the people who have ition of Capital building, while aspiring to even greater made the past year such a success. achievements in the years to come. And it is a real pleas- I would like to thank our new minister, Minister ure to be a part of such a tremendous collective effort, Pablo Rodriguez, and his predecessor, Minister as we step together into the future. Mélanie Joly, for their support for the Capital. I would like to thank the NCC’s former CEO, Dr. Mark Kristmanson, for his dedication to the Capital and the organization, and for setting the course for several of the important projects that the NCC is currently pursuing. Marc Seaman Chair And I would like to thank the NCC’s new CEO, Tobi Nussbaum, for the leadership he has already shown, as well as his clear commitment to excellence. He has the full support of the Board as he begins to make his mark on the Capital. 3 Annual Report 2018–2019 NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION MESSAGE FROM THE CEO The past year has been one of significant accomplishment at the National Capital Commission with respect to all three of the important roles it plays in the Capital: that of the main long-term planner of Canada’s Capital Region, the principal steward of the Capital’s built and natural heritage, and a creative partner with others who share our passion for Capital building. am proud to present this annual report for 2018–2019. It is my first as the NCC’s chief executive officer, and reviewing its contents gives me real pleasure as I reflect on the organization’s Iwork over the year — both in acting to restore and preserve existing assets and in advancing exciting future projects and initiatives that will enhance the Capital in years to come. The year 2019 marks two important anniver- saries for the NCC. It has been 120 years since the launch, under the direction of former prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, of the efforts to build the Capital we know today; and it was 60 years ago that Parliament passed the National Capital Act, creating the NCC to carry those efforts forward into the future. This anniversary year is a time to take inspiration from the past and those whose work we build on, and to reflect on the future and what we want our Capital Region to be in the years and decades ahead. I took the first few weeks of my tenure as CEO to meet as many people involved with the NCC as pos- sible — current and former staff, and members of the NCC’s Board of Directors, of course, but also residents of the Capital, community groups and leaders, elected representatives at all three levels of government, repre- sentatives of the Algonquin Nation on whose ancestral territory the Capital has grown, and many other stake- holders. The message that I kept hearing was one of a profound belief in the potential of the Capital and the NCC’s role in helping it realize its great promise. NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION Annual Report 2018–2019 4 I am confident that this sense of faith in the future, The past year also saw the launch of a new process and trust in the NCC, has been reinforced by the to renew LeBreton Flats that will build on past experi- progress we have seen in the past year on several key ences and lessons learned to ensure that this vital piece Capital-building enterprises. of Capital landscape achieves its potential, becoming a These projects include the exciting revitalization of community that is thriving, connected and inclusive. Nepean Point, which will see it become a hub of activity There were also challenges. The importance of the in the Capital’s core, an iconic landmark transformed NCC’s work to make the Capital more sustainable and into a vital public space connected to the dynamic resilient was underlined in dramatic fashion. During this energy of the ByWard Market, the serene dignity of the past spring, the Capital once again came to terms with National Gallery of Canada and the rugged beauty of the aftermath of unpredictable and dangerous extreme the Ottawa River. climate events, this time in the form of damaging floods. They include an inspiring plan to invite residents This is an ever-present test for urban planners every- and visitors back to the riverfront west of the urban where, and one that the NCC is responding to in every core through the creation of a beautiful and lively new aspect of its operations, guided by the new Sustainable linear park along its south shore. Development Strategy launched in the fall of 2018.