New soundstage and creative hub on NCC land could create hundreds of jobs

By Mike Vlasveld

The National Capital Commission is launching consultations on a proposal that aims to grow the local film, television and animation industry.

The proposal comes from the Ottawa Film Office and TriBro Studios, an established private sector partner from Toronto, to develop a $40-million dollar soundstage campus and creative hub at their Research Farm, across from the Nepean Sportsplex. 

The City of Ottawa says the campus and hub could create about 500 full-time jobs during construction and another 500 within its first few years of operation. It would also generate approximately $40-million in new economic activity.

The city believes the proposed 9.86-hectare soundstage would be an effective, low-impact use of the already developed and fully-serviced portion of property. 

The Research Farm was built by Agriculture Canada in the 1960s and acquired by the NCC in 2000. Since its closure in 1998, many of the buildings have remained vacant. 

No farmland or forested area would be impacted by this project, and city officials add that it would not only be sustainable, but the accompanying re-naturalization of 21.5 hectares at the former Capital Golf Centre, adjacent to the Lester Wetlands, would result in a net gain to the Greenbelt.

The NCC is expected to provide the public with an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal as part of the Greenbelt Master Plan Amendment.

A site visit and open house will be held on September 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the proposed site at the Research Farm, located at 1740 Woodroffe Avenue.

A letter signed off by Mayor Jim Watson, Knoxdale-Merivale City Councillor Keith Egli and Alta Vista City Councillor Jean Cloutier supports this initiative, and said it will “help us grow and diversify our local economy.”

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today