National Capital Commission gives the public an inside scoop of the Ottawa-Gatineau region

‘Open NCC’ returns for another year, giving people an inside look at the region’s rich history and culture. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The National Capital Commission (NCC) held its fourth annual Open NCC on Saturday.

It was an opportunity to open up all of the NCC activities, programs, sites and plans to the public to get a behind-the-scenes look at all things NCC in the Ottawa-Gatineau area..

Major’s Hill Park being the headquarters for the day, with eight other sites in the Ottawa and Gatineau region offering biking and walking tours, games, expert presentations, engaging booths, entertainment and activities for everyone and a look at the projects and daily activities shaping the national capital region.

“We want to be sure that we are sharing with the public all of the exciting things we are doing,” says Tobi Nussbaum, CEO of the National Capital Commission.

Highlighting some of the new sites that opened up recently, like Kìwekì Point, the Westboro Beach pavilion, the dock at Dow’s Lake, and NCC River House along the Ottawa River..

“I think people are now understanding that we are really doing a lot to activate our shorelines and waterways,” Nussbaum said.

“We want the public to know more about what we’re doing to understand our future plans and so I think it’s really part of activating the public and making sure that they’re aware of all the great things we’re doing.”

It was a day of discovery and exploration for Sarah Yule, a journalism and history student at Carleton University, originally from Saskatoon. She is visiting Major’s Hill Park.

“It’s kind of a good blending of history and Ottawa. I’ve just moved to Ottawa a couple of years ago for school. I’m always interested in learning more and more about the city,” said Yule. “It’s really a blending of it and it’s something that I really enjoy, like getting to know different parts of the city.”

Yule said that, since she focuses on Canadian history, this event was right up her alley.

“I looked it up last night and I looked at the roster and saw all the different places. It made sense for me to come here and talk to some people here,” Yule said. “That’s why I’m taking notes and making sure that I have everything accurate. Learning a lot about the NCC open, NCC events and the heritage portion of it. That’s been my favourite part so far.”

Zophia Broeio and Ananya Vaghela heard about the event and said they came because it’s important to know where you live. Originally from Toronto, they now live in Ottawa.

“I thought that would be interesting for us to learn about what’s happening in the city,” said Broeio, visiting Major’s Hill Park.

“I find in Ottawa, when things are happening, you should show up, so they keep happening. Anything that’s making Ottawa a bit more interesting or teaching me about living in the city and things like that. I’ve always valued. I see a need for it, so I’m happy to participate when I can,” said Vaghela.

Broeio and Vaghela said they were speaking with the heritage team and they learned a bunch of historical artifacts and things about the history of the city.

“We learned a bit about how the Rideau Canal came to be and all these heritage sites and about the basilica,” says Vaghela.

Some other sites included the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, Rideau Hall and Hull Marina at Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau for a boat tour and insights on archaeology history.

“Kìwekì Point opened up recently. I visited and I really loved it, but I wanted to hear more about the story behind the project, the design, the details and I knew that NCC staff would be leading the tour, so I thought why not hear it directly from the source,” said Hieu Nguyen, visiting the NCC Open at KÌwekì Point.

“I think public spaces are just really nice to have and they’re so accessible. You’re looking for something to do. It’s a destination point that you can do with friends or on your own. It’s free and easy to get to.”

Maria Pandelas and Steve Roberge were the first ones to arrive at the NCC boat tour at Jacques-Cartier Park.

“I learned a lot of nice things, historical significance stuff. We learned that we have 131 embassies in Ottawa. That was news to us. We learned a little bit about the Gatineau River and some of the history of the Ottawa region,” said Roberge.

“I moved here five years ago, and I’m still acting like a tourist,” said Pandelas, “Ottawa is a jewel. It’s such a pretty walkable city and there’s so much to explore here.”

The Open NCC events continued Saturday evening with a bike night at Confederation Park, featuring a nighttime bike ride along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Colonel By Drive.

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