August 11, 2025 – Ottawa ON – For more than fifty years, the Ottawa Board of Trade has been a steadfast advocate for the development of LeBreton Flats as a transformative economic driver for Ottawa. Today’s announcement by the National Capital Commission and Capital Sports Development Inc., confirming an agreement of purchase and sale for the 11-acre parcel at LeBreton Flats, marks a major step forward in realizing this long-held vision – one that will create thousands of jobs and attract significant investment to our city.
Based on a study commissioned by the NCC, construction spending on the LeBreton Flats redevelopment is expected to contribute approximately $13.2 billion (2020 dollars) to the Canadian economy, with each dollar spent yielding an economic impact of $3.57. The project will create an estimated 1,743 construction jobs per year, providing sustained employment and vital economic opportunities. In addition, millions of dollars in annual taxes will be generated throughout construction, benefiting all levels of government:
- Average $1.2 million in development charges per year to the City during construction;
- $13.7 million in annual property taxes to the City upon build-out;
- $20.3 million in annual federal income tax during construction.
This is also a pivotal milestone relative to the Downtown Ottawa Action Agenda, providing momentum toward transforming our city core into a dynamic, inclusive, and resilient urban centre. The news complements several long-standing objectives outlined in the Action Agenda, including:
- Catalytic anchors for downtown: Developing a major events centre aligns with our commitment to walkable, amenity-rich communities and dynamic public spaces, fostering connection and well-being.
- Mixed-use vibrancy: Revitalizing underused federal lands encourages a coordinated approach to public and private investment in infrastructure and placemaking, building a thriving urban environment.
- Economic opportunity: The redevelopment embodies the powerful economic benefits projected in our Action Agenda, which anticipates over $1.3billion in annual economic gains via a revitalized downtown Ottawa.
The Ottawa Board of Trade urges continued collaboration among private and public partners to accelerate approvals, decontamination, and design processes to bring this exciting vision to life.
“We commend the leadership of both the NCC and Capital Sports Development Inc. for advancing this transformative project. This is the kind of bold, collaborative action that will define Ottawa’s future as a world-class capital and a thriving place to live, work, and visit,” said Sueling Ching, President & CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade.
Visit livingcapitalottawa.ca to learn more about the 60 steps outlined in the Action Agenda and how they will help revitalize the National Capital Region’s core.