Jacques‑Cartier Park North Electrical

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is proposing electrical infrastructure upgrades at Jacques Cartier Park North (JCPN) located in Gatineau, Quebec, to support future largescale public events, such as, Winterlude and Canada Day (the Project). These improvements align with NCC priorities to enhance year-round animation and public programming along the Ottawa River shoreline as well as infrastructure planning guidelines from the NCC's National Capital Core Area Plan (2025). Initial Project consultation began in June 2021, with power needs based on Winterlude's high consumption. Since 2021, additional consultations regarding the Project have been conducted by the NCC Design and Construction team in collaboration with Heritage Canada, the City of Gatineau, and the NCC Gatineau Park Team. These sessions addressed subjects including programming options, potential events or uses, as well as power requirements.

 

The Project scope includes the installation of a new Hydro‑Québec service connection and a main distribution cabinet. It also includes adding new power pedestals and event connection points at key locations throughout JCPN, considering future event needs and the existing park landscape. HydroQuébec will complete all work on its distribution network, including relocating an existing service line and will be limited to previously disturbed areas. An NCC awarded contractor will install the JCPN electrical infrastructure and electrical line connections within JCPN. Project footprints nearby existing trees will be kept at a minimum and hydrovac excavation will be used over open trench methods within tree root zones to minimize impacts.

 

These electrical upgrades are required to meet modern power demands for major events and reduce reliance on temporary generators. Once completed, the new system will provide reliable, expanded electrical capacity to support current and future programming needs within JCPN.

 

The NCC must determine whether this project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects under sections 81-91 of the Impact Assessment Act (2019) and the National Capital Act (1985). A federal land use and design approval (FLUDA) is required for this work.

 

Project implementation is targeted to commence in Spring of 2026 and be completed by December 2026, following final design coordination with Hydro‑Québec and procurement of qualified contractors.

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Latest update

April 16, 2026 – The public comment period on the project is closed. The National Capital Commission is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Notice of Intent to Make a Determination - Start of Public Comment Period - March 16, 2026

Contacts

Civil Engineering and Environment, Design and Construction
National Capital Commission
342–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1C7
Telephone: 613-239-5000 or 1-800-465-1867
Email: Civil-Enviro@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

    • Gatineau (Quebec)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development
    • Recreation and Tourism

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-03-16

  • Proponent

    National Capital Commission

  • Authorities

    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90296

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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