The Capital’s Waterways

Each winter, the NCC transforms the RideauCanal into the world’s largest skating rink, a signature destination that brings joy to skaters of all ages. As climate change threatens one of Canada’s most iconic winter experiences, the NCC is rethinking how to keep the RideauCanal Skateway open for generations to come. In this episode, we go behind the scenes, exploring the Skateway’s history, the ice-making process, the growing challenges, and the creative solutions implemented so far.Can innovation and adaptation keep this belovedtradition alive? Tune in to find out.Watch this episode on YouTube⁠.Get the transcriptCapital Stories – Preserving the Rideau Canal Skateway⁠Histoires de la capitale – Préserver la patinoire du canal Rideau

From wildlife rescues to trail patrols, NCC conservation officers are on the front lines every day. They play a key role in environmental stewardship and public safety across the Capital Region’s vast network of parks and green spaces.In this episode, we go behind the scenes with members of the team, who keep over 1,000 square kilometres of NCC lands safe for everyone. Learn what a day in the field looks like, how conservation officers respond to emergencies, and what it takes to protect both nature and visitors in places like Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt.Tune in to find out more.Watch this episode on YouTube⁠.Get the transcript Capital Stories – Into the Wild Histoires de la capitale – Au cœur de la nature

Stretching along both sides of the Ottawa River, the core area is the symbolic and geographic heart of the NationalCapital Region. It is home to Parliament Hill, national museums, cultural landmarks, and vibrant public spaces. In this episode, we explore how the NCC will guide the evolution of central federal lands over the next 20 years. From bold design moves to sustainability and accessibility, this long-term vision reimagines how people will live, work and experience the Capital’s most iconic spaces. Tune in to find out what’s changing, what’s possible, and how public input is helping to shape the future of Ottawa-Gatineau.Watch this episode on ⁠YouTube⁠.Get the transcript Capital Stories – Shaping the Heart of the Nation’s Capital Histoires de la capitale – Façonner le cœur de la capitale du pays

Rideau Hall isn’t just home to Canada’s governors general. It’s also home to towering evergreens, ceremonial trees planted by world leaders, and greenhouses that quietly support the country’s most important events. In this episode, we explore the only official residence open to the public, where the NCC’s horticulture team keeps 32 hectares thriving through Ottawa’s four seasons. From rare orchids to vegetable gardens, we dig into the challenges of maintaining this living landmark and discover what’s next for its aging greenhouses. Tune in to find out how the grounds stay vibrantyear-round and what surprises grow behind the scenes.Watch this episode on ⁠YouTube⁠.Get the transcriptCapital Stories – Inside Rideau Hall’s GreenhousesHistoires de la capitale – Dans les serres de Rideau Hall

For decades, the NCC has worked to reconnect the Capital with its waterways. Today, that vision is coming to life through vibrant new public spaces along the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal and beyond.In this episode, we explore how shoreline animation is transforming the way people experience the region’s waterfronts. From bistros and rentals to beaches and docks, these projects create welcoming and accessible destinations for everyone to enjoy.Tune in to find out how the NCC is investing in shoreline infrastructure, expanding public access and turning toward the water in the National Capital Region.Watch this episode on YouTube.Get the transcriptCapital Stories – Bringing the Capital’s Shorelines to LifeHistoires de la capitale – Animer les berges de la capitale

Once a backwater lumber town, Ottawa is now one of the greenest capitals in the world. As the federal planner, the NCC is at the forefront of projects that embrace the waterfront. Initiatives such as the NCC River House, Kìwekì Point and the rehabilitation of the Westboro Beach pavilion are recent examples of this turn toward the water.   In this episode, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and his guests discuss how waterways have played—and continue to play—an essential role in the history of the National Capital Region. Transcripts Capital Stories – Episode 4 (The Capital’s Waterways) – English transcript Capital Stories – Episode 4 (The Capital’s Waterways) – French transcript

(This episode is in French only. The English transcript is available) The NCC is the proud steward of the Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the National Capital Region, covering 361 square kilometres, and the second-most visited park in Canada. In this episode, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and his guests talk about the fine balance in managing a conservation park that boasts rich and unique biodiversity while also hosting thousands of people every year for summer and winter activities. Join us as we explore the challenges of protecting this natural treasure for future generations! Transcripts Capital Stories – Episode 3 (The Lungs of the Capital: Gatineau Park) – English transcript Capital Stories – Episode 3 (The Lungs of the Capital: Gatineau Park) – French transcript Watch this episode on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. 

The NCC is the proud steward of the Greenbelt, a 20,000-hectare horseshoe-shaped green space south of Ottawa’s urban core.   The Greenbelt was created in the 1950s to protect the rural land bordering the Capital from urban sprawl. Today, it protects natural areas like forests, wetlands, streams and sand dunes. It also sustains biodiversity and brings many benefits to the community.   In this episode, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and his guest meet at Mer Bleue to talk about the challenges and the importance of the Greenbelt.  Transcripts: Capital Stories – Episode 2 (The Lungs of the Capital: Greenbelt) – English transcript Histoires de la capitale – Épisode 2 (Les poumons de la capitale : la Ceinture de verdure) – Transcription française Watch this episode on ⁠YouTube⁠. 

For 125 years, the NCC’s story has been one of continuity and evolution, shaped by the endeavours of visionary leaders past and present. In this episode of Capital Stories, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum and guests Heather Thomson and Barry Padolsky dive into key historical moments that helped create the capital we know today: the Todd Plan, the Holt Report and the work of Jacques Gréber.  What defines an inspiring capital? Is it the grandeur of its architecture, the beauty of its landscapes, the allure of its public spaces or something else entirely? Listen to find out!  Transcripts  Capital Stories – Episode 1 (Then and Now) – English transcript Capital Stories – Episode 1 (Then and Now) – French transcript A conversation on the same topic is also available in French. Listen to Capital Stories – Episode 1 (D’hier à aujourd’hui) today! Watch this episode on YouTube. 

In Capital Stories, National Capital Commission (NCC) CEO Tobi Nussbaum and guests dive deep into the ins and outs of our nation’s capital. Listen in as they explore Ottawa-Gatineau’s evolution from a quaint lumber town to the bustling, dynamic capital city we know today.Through conversations with historians, urban planners, architects, and others, this podcast series talks about all things past, present and future in Canada’s beautiful national capital. Tune in to hear the stories that make our capital truly captivating.  Podcast details and transcripts Écouter le balado en français