Ottawa, Ontario, October 8, 2010 – The new Ottawa Convention Centre (OCC), supported with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the City of Ottawa, and the private sector, will not only turn heads thanks to its bold, modern design, it is also well on its way to achieving Silver in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, today toured the site of the new Centre. They were provided with a demonstration of the innovative environmental approaches being taken by the facility as it nears completion in April 2011.
The OCC is being built from locally manufactured and recycled materials, which not only supports the local economy, it reduces the environmental impact from transportation. The federal representatives were also shown how the finishing, the millwork, paint and carpets that will be used in the next stages of construction have been selected to reduce impacts from volatile organic compounds. The tour included a chance to see the reflective roof of the new centre, which will reduce heat in the summer, and revealed how the centre will reduce water consumption through low-flow plumbing and by gathering rainwater for toilet use and irrigation.
"With its impressive design, superior location and space capabilities, the Ottawa Convention Centre will be an architectural jewel in the nation's capital and a magnet for attracting business from all over the world," said Minister Baird. "The Government of Canada is proud to be contributing to this incredible project."
"Once complete, this uniquely crafted centre will brighten up downtown Ottawa and remind all those who visit of the beauty that exists in the nation's capital," said MP Galipeau. "This project is a reflection of the Government of Canada's commitment to building stronger communities through targeted investments in municipal infrastructure. It is also a wonderful example of taking innovative approaches to benefit the environment."
Scheduled to open in April 2011, the new Ottawa Convention Centre overlooks the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will be expanded from 67,800 to more than 192,000 square feet, making it the fourth largest convention centre in Canada.
The Government of Canada is contributing one-third of eligible project costs, up to $50 million, through the Building Canada Fund.
To learn more about the Building Canada plan, visit www.buildingcanada.gc.ca.
Contacts:
Office of John Baird, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
613-990-7720
Constituency Office of Royal Galipeau, MP Ottawa Orleans
613-834-1800
Kathryn Hendrick
The Ottawa Convention Centre
416-277-6281
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Toll-Free 1-877-250-7154
