World-class destination imagined for Canada's Capital - Renowned Group of Canadians offers inspiring vision to the people of Canada and to residents of the National Capital Region for the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats

OTTAWA, Jan. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Devcore, Canderel and DLS Group comprised of André Desmarais,  Guy Laliberté, William J. Sinclair and the Mierins Family (DCDLS Group) today unveiled details of their proposal to redevelop LeBreton Flats – an extraordinary parcel of vacant land totalizing 55 acres, located just west of Parliament Hill in the core of the Nation's Capital.

The Group's project, currently named LeBreton Re-Imagined, offers 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 precinct. 

The mixed use precinct offers a complete community of residential, retail, commercial and program uses that will enable people to live, learn, work and play in a sustainable, green downtown space. This includes a modern urban village with housing for seniors and students, condominiums and rental units.  Contributing to an exceptional quality of life for everyone, the proposal also features a school and YMCA, made-in-Canada retail outlets and cultural centres, such as Ottawa's planned new library.

"This is a nationally inspired proposal that we believe represents the interests and aspirations of not only those who live and work in Canada's Capital, but of Canadians from every part of our great country," stated Jean-Pierre Poulin, President of Devcore Group.

"We are proud to present this unique and modern legacy development that will infuse LeBreton Flats with new life and new purpose, while enhancing the attractiveness of the Capital," added Jonathan Wener, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canderel.

LeBreton Re-Imagined is designed to serve as a signature destination that will attract millions of tourists and visitors to Canada's Capital, and become a world-class public gathering place coupled with a vibrant urban community in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Part of the plan includes the NHL calibre Theatre of Sports and Entertainment intended to bring professional hockey and world class entertainment into the heart of the City. 

"Ottawa has always been a special place for me and my family," said André Desmarais, Deputy Chairman and Co-CEO of Power Corporation of Canada.  "This is a once in a generation opportunity for our Group to do something truly long-lasting for Canadians while, at the same time, redefining our Nation's Capital."

"Along with my real estate partner Lorne Bassel – one of the visionaries behind the development of Mont Tremblant - I am excited to be part of this amazing project that has the ability to bring entertainment to a higher level and improve the quality of life for those who live, work and play in our Nation's Capital," commented Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil and Lune Rouge, an investment company that acts as an incubator for creative ventures.

The Project is a true City-building initiative and is expected to meet the needs of nearly one million residents of the National Capital Region by offering new retail and entertainment venues that generate major economic spinoffs, providing local services, reducing traffic and densifying the downtown in a sustainable and regenerative fashion.  Over half (55%) the site is dedicated to public facilities and open spaces, which will be managed by not-for-profit public authorities and remain in the hands of all Canadians.

"LeBreton Re-Imagined is about developing our public lands responsibly and ensuring we leave a lasting legacy for future generations," stated William J. Sinclair, Chairman, Pandion Investments Ltd and a co-founder of JDS Uniphase. "Our proposal takes a balanced approach to development that celebrates nature, offers exciting public and community anchors, and brings vibrant community life back to LeBreton Flats."

"This is more than just a standard development project or plan to create new public spaces," stated Lisa Mierins, Co-President of Ottawa-based Mierins Automotive Group.  "LeBreton Re-Imagined chronicles our natural and cultural heritage, technological breakthroughs and Canadian business success stories. It will be a national gathering place that can make all Canadians proud."

The construction schedule for the Project is planned to be deployed in three phases, starting 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 undertaken by the National Capital Commission (NCC).  The NCC is expected to announce the successful proponent 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]