The Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict Sustainable Neighborhood Action Plan

Invest Ottawa and the City of Ottawa will develop a sustainable neighbourhood action plan (SNAP) for the downtown core based on the EcoDistrict methodology, a new model of public-private partnerships that promotes district-scale best practices to build sustainable neighborhoods that are resilient, vibrant, and resource efficient. The plan will address environmental and socioeconomic goals and will help the city respond to a declining commercial real estate market in the area. The SNAP development will be led by the Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict (OECD), a new not-for-profit with members drawn from city council and departments, Invest Ottawa, Hydro Ottawa, and private-sector representatives. The development process will follow three activity streams: collaborating for new and innovative infrastructure, advancing sustainable business practices, and initiating community actions. The process includes broad public consultation through face-to-face meetings, interactive web sites and surveys, and social media. Through the SNAP, the city will aim to: reduce local greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from building energy use through energy efficiency measures and the implementation of a district energy system; reduce water consumption and improve the management of stormwater through the use of innovative technologies and approaches such as bio-swales; increase waste diversion through the adoption of collaborative solutions between buildings, waste service providers and the city; and encourage the use of active transportation, and improve the through improved walkability of the area. The SNAP will align with several overarching city strategies, including the Building a Livable Ottawa — Official Plan and Master Plan, the city’s sustainability plan and several transportation initiatives. The OCED project team will also consult with Public Works and Government Services Canada and the National Capital Commission to consider any plans, strategies or programs that may be relevant to the SNAP. The City of Ottawa and its partners expect that the implementation of this SNAP will lead to the creation of jobs due to construction, renovations, and energy conservation initiatives, and that businesses and organizations will be attracted to the downtown core as buildings are upgraded and common programs are launched. Ottawa will be one of the first Canadian cities to formally adopt the EcoDistrict approach, which offers learning opportunities as other municipalities look to implement neighbourhood-scale innovations. The city will share its knowledge and experience gained through media, publications, conferences and social networks. (Project description from original funding application)