LeBreton Re-Imagined partnerships offer opportunity for a world-class destination for tourists, visitors and residents of Canada's Capital

OTTAWA, Feb. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Many leading names in entertainment, tourism, architecture, retail, and community services expressed their commitment and enthusiasm for the LeBreton Re-Imagined project put forward by Devcore, Canderel and DLS Group for the redevelopment of Lebreton Flats – an extraordinary parcel of vacant land totaling 58 acres, located just west of Parliament Hill in the core of the Nation's Capital.

The federal National Capital Commission (NCC) put forward a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that asked proponents to develop a "vision for the Subject Site" that would "see development for primarily non-residential animating uses, such as museums, galleries, special attractions, hospitality, and office space, which fosters public access and experience…" The LeBreton Re-Imagined proposal has answered that call.

The LeBreton Re-Imagined project will consist of a wide array of public venues and activities that will serve the public interest – from the massive greenspace that preserves the environment while creating public pathways, to cultural and historical museums, an aquarium and planetarium, as well as a comprehensive mixed-use area offering a variety of housing, retail outlets and community services as well as Class A office space. The Project provides for sustainable development that will benefit generations to come, with over half the site dedicated to public amenities and open spaces, which will be managed by a not-for-profit entity and remain in the hands of all Canadians. Some of the key partnerships include the following:

Ripley's Blue Planet Pavilion
"Our vision with the Blue Planet Pavilion at LeBreton Flats will be to showcase an exceptional marine environment, including some of Canada's and  the planet's most exotic and fascinating marine wildlife. We hope to offer educational and entertaining programming for residents and visitors, making it an awe-inspiring attraction for the Nation's Capital," said Darren Loblaw, Chief Financial Officer, Ripley's Entertainment Inc.

The Air Pavilion/iFLY Ottawa
"We are very excited to be able to offer the population of the National Capital and its visitors the chance to experience the sensation of free-fall. The iFLY Ottawa facility that we have developed for the LeBreton Re-Imagined project will provide a safe and exciting way of experiencing indoor skydiving for people of all ages and abilities. When we saw the magnitude of the Project, which will create an incredible tourist destination, we knew we had to open a facility in Ottawa," added Alain Guérin, President of iFLY Toronto and SkyVenture Montreal.

SPIN Skatepark Pavilion
"We are proud to be involved in this project with the SPIN Skatepark Pavilion, which was designed to be the best skate park in the world. The facility we have created will also feature an action sports museum with a constant rotating theme, the largest selection of skateboards ever assembled, and the Rollin' School, a diverse skate lesson program. SPIN plans to work closely with the Ottawa action sports community to deliver pro and amateur events to inspire and challenge the youth of Ottawa," said Dan Vézina, President of SPIN Skatepark.

World Automotive Experience (WAX)
"We welcome and are thrilled to take part in the World Automotive Experience, which will showcase Canada's automotive culture and heritage and next-generation innovations. In addition, the WAX will allow Felino Cars to showcase our newest prototypes to the public and be present in what is sure to be a great new attraction for the public," added Pierre Gladu, Director of Marketing for Felino Cars, the Canadian manufacturer of a cutting-edge racing car that was featured at last year's Montreal Auto Show.

"The World Automobile Experience is slated to be a world-class facility, dedicated to the understanding of the automobile and the role it has played in Canadian Culture. As an architectural firm with expertise in designing museum facilities globally, Moriyama and Teshima Architect's believe this is an important story for Canadians to hear and to experience, as it will touch upon the surprising past, present and future promise of Canadian innovation in automotive design. We are very excited to be a part of the DCDLS Group's bid for the Redevelopment of LeBreton Flats," stated Diarmuid Nash, Partner at Moriyama & Teshima Architects.

Canadensis Walk – Trans Canada Trail
"We're pleased to be part of the LeBreton Re-Imagined project. The Trans Canada Trail, once completed, will be the world's longest network of trails from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. The inclusion of the Trail in the LeBreton Re-Imagined project plan is an important reminder of our origins and communities," stated Paul LaBarge, Board Member of Trans Canada Trail.

Retail Podium
"Farm Boy has been a local Ontario company since 1981. We are delighted to be part of the LeBreton Re-Imagined project as it will enable us to have a retail outlet in a bustling and important part of town. We will keep serving our customers with fresh and local produce and are happy to make our offering available to clients in the LeBreton area. We are confident in the quality of the development proposed by the DCDLS group and anticipate a high level of traffic in our upcoming store," stated Mr. Jeff York, President of Farm Boy.

Seniors Lifestyle Residences
"We are absolutely thrilled to be part of this amazing project in our National Capital, a Region where we are looking to expand our presence. For the Maurice Group, retirement and well-being will always go hand in hand and we believe the LeBreton Re-Imagined project perfectly embodies this statement. Our state-of-the-art residences offer warm, dynamic living environments inspired by today's retirees, with services, amenities and activities integral to everyday life – this is the formula that will guide us in the LeBreton Re-Imagined project," said Daniel Archambault, Vice-President Real Estate, le Groupe Maurice.

Family YMCA
"We are excited by the opportunity to be considered for such a visionary plan, and look forward to exploring how the Y can utilize our experience in building healthy communities to contribute to the vibrancy of the project," stated Bob Gallagher, President and CEO, YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region.

Nordik Spa
"Nordik Group is proud and pleased to be a partner of the DCDLS Group within the fabulous LeBreton Flats redevelopment project. As a Canadian leader in the spa industry, and being truthful to its tradition of innovation, the Nordik Group's vision is to develop a new urban spa concept to be unique to Canada. It will be a new relaxing experience oriented towards health and well-being," said Daniel Gingras, Co-owner and Vice-president, Corporate Development of le Nordik Spa.

Construction of LeBreton Re-Imagined is expected to be deployed over three phases, beginning as quickly as possible in order to launch some of the public facilities, such as Canadensis Walk and the Bandshell in time for Canada's 150^th birthday celebrations. 

The LeBreton Re-imagined proposal is one of two pre-qualified bids being considered by the National Capital Commission (NCC). The NCC is expected to announce the winning bid in early 2017.  

To download the backgrounders and the renderings, visit www.lebretonreimagined.ca/media

SOURCE Canadensis

Chris Froggatt, NATIONAL Public Relations, Cell 613-218-9545, [email protected]; Marjolaine Provost, NATIONAL Public Relations, Cell 613-914-2485, [email protected]