Renovations at 47-57 Rideau Street in Ottawa

The proposed project includes renovations at 47-57 Rideau Street to transform the existing bookstore into a dynamic live music and entertainment venue. Reimagining the former Chapters in the ByWard Market would generate vibrancy and infuse excitement into the entire region. The proposed new venue would contribute to increased economic activity for local shops and businesses and would be destined to become a cornerstone of the local entertainment scene.

The proposed project will take place on leased National Capital Commission (NCC) lands and is subject to a federal land use, design, and real estate transaction approval under the National Capital Act.

The new venue would be approximately 4800 m2 in size with a capacity of 2,000 people and would offer a diverse range of artists and musical genres to appeal to a wide demographic of live music lovers. In addition to live concerts, the venue would host corporate events, private parties and cultural events, award shows and ceremonies as well as local community events. It would include additional uses such as the sale of food & drinks, food storage and preparation, and the sale of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

The project scope of work includes renovations and alterations to the basement, ground and second floor levels of the building, as well as improvements to the Rideau Street, George Street and Sussex Drive elevations. The proposed exterior alterations respect the heritage overlay of the surrounding neighbourhood and the location of the building along the ceremonial route.

The ground floor level would provide main entry from Rideau Street into the box office, the general admission standing area, VIP entrance and support areas. The second level balcony would provide fixed seating and barrier-free viewing locations. Additionally, private boxes and VIP areas would offer a more intimate and accessible viewing space. This level would also include space for administration offices and back of house to support the events.

Construction activity would take place primarily within the interior of the building with limited interventions to the exterior. The parking area on the north side of the property would be secured as the construction lay-down zone throughout the duration of the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in winter 2025, with a projected completion date late in 2025.

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Latest update

June 13, 2025 – The National Capital Commission issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
3 Notice of Determination - June 13, 2025
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination - Start of Public Comment Period - January 22, 2025

Contacts

National Capital Commission
Environmental Assessment
40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8
Email: IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Project (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development
    • Recreation and Tourism

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-01-22

  • Proponent

    The National Capital Commission

  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89201

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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