Use of NCC and Other Federal Lands

Land Access Permits

The NCC is responsible for the overall integrity of its land holdings, and in particular must look after the environment and public safety and deal with liability concerns. By controlling access to NCC property, permits help us fulfil our responsibilities toward our land and the public. A land access permit is a legal agreement signed by the applicant and the NCC and binds both parties to the conditions contained in the permit. If you did not obtain a permit to use NCC land, the following could happen:

you could damage environmentally sensitive land
if you were involved in an ill-timed construction project, you could interfere with NCC operations and events, and jeopardize public safety
if you were driving a commercial vehicle that was not authorized to drive on a parkway or driveway, you could be fined under NCC Traffic and Property Regulations
if you were doing research in unauthorized areas, you could put yourself and other people in danger, and damage important natural and cultural areas such as archaeological excavations

When is a land access permit required?

You need a permit whenever you are doing something that requires the use of, or access to, NCC land. It could be anything from scientific research to a construction project, for example:

using NCC land to access private property for construction
driving a commercial vehicle on NCC parkways
performing research on NCC land
storing materials or equipment on NCC land
construction and maintenance contracts on NCC land

How to Get a Land Access Permit

Send a request to the NCC containing the following information:

Your name, address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address
The location of your planned work or activity
What you plan on using the land for (for example, "access to install a pool")
The expected duration of your work or activity, and the date
A work plan detailing how you plan to use the area, the equipment and vehicles you are using, your entrance and exit points to the site, staging area and any other information that is important to the request

Depending on the nature of the request, an environmental impact assessment, proof of liability insurance coverage and one or more site visits may be required.

NCC staff will monitor and inspect the activity authorized under the permit and carry out a final inspection to ensure the conditions of the permit are fulfilled.

Note: Circumstances may dictate that final clearance of all reinstatement conditions will extend beyond the actual termination date of the permit and bind the applicant accordingly.

Where to Send Your Request for a Permit

Public lands belonging to the NCC are managed through one of three portfolios, depending on where they are located.

For lands in Gatineau Park, send your request to:
Gatineau Park
National Capital Commission
202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Canada K1P 1C7
Phone: (819) 827-2020
Fax: (819) 827-3337
E-mail:

For lands in the Greenbelt, send your request to:
Land Manager, Greenbelt Division
National Capital Commission
202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Canada K1P 1C7
Phone: (613) 239-5433
Fax: (613) 239-5337
E-mail:

For lands in Ontario or Quebec other than Gatineau Park or the Greenbelt, send your request to:
Land Management Section
Urban Lands and Transportation Division
National Capital Commission
202–40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Canada K1P 1C7
Phone: (613) 239-5172
Fax: (613) 239-5336
E-mail:

When to Apply

We recommend that you apply as soon as you know the details of your access requirements. This will ensure that the NCC has enough time to review your proposal, and will cut down on delays.

Fees

You may have to pay a fee, depending on the exact use and location of your work and activity. Please contact us for information on fees.

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