Notice of Determination

[Ottawa, Ontario] – [May 16, 2024] – The National Capital Commission has determined that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the application of all recommended mitigation measures.

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors:

• migratory birds;
• species at risk;
• groundwater;
• surface water;
• soil quality;
• air quality;
• vegetation;
• human health;
• archaeological resources;
• historical resources;
• community knowledge;
• Gender-based analysis plus;
• comments received from the public;
• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures; and,
• the components of the environment that are within the legislative authority of Parliament identified in the "Definitions" section of the Impact Assessment Act.

Mitigation measures will be implemented to address potential adverse effects of the environment, such as:

• Implement the NCC's Bird-Safe Design Guidelines for building, landscaping, and lighting design. The NCC will mitigate the adverse effects of the proposed construction project by installing bird frit on all new glazing areas and treating existing glazing on the east façade.  The NCC will include the 80 Elgin building in its buildings assessment to assess their level of threat to birds. Once this assessment is completed, the NCC will address the highest risk building as per the NCC's Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS) 2023-2027 item #13.3 – to have no buildings that pose a lethal threat to birds by 2030; 
• Construction workers should be aware of and follow the City of Ottawa Protocol for Wildlife Protection during Construction; and,
• Clearing trees and vegetation should occur outside the breeding bird season.

After reviewing the comments received and conducting an internal review of effects, the National Capital Commission is satisfied that the implementation of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, as long as all mitigation measures are applied. Therefore, the National Capital Commission may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.

For questions or requests, please contact IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca