The Federal District Commission wanted to protect public buildings, national institutions and green spaces from encroachment.

The FDC is now called the National Capital Commission. "...Comprehensive zoning---a municipal responsibility---is strongly recommended to control industrial, commercial and residential development in the best interest of each (Ottawa and Hull) to preserve the amenities of the area, and to protect the large and growing national investment in public buildings, national institutions and parks and parkways."

"By a special act of the provincial legislature, the City of Ottawa was empowered to pass a by-law to control the design of buildings fronting or abutting upon Federal Government property. The City of Ottawa has frequently sought the advice of the Commission prior to issuing building permits in such locations. Also noteworthy is a growing tendency on the part of private developers to seek advice on projects in order that their character and use might be in approved relationship with adjacent lands." (Federal District Commission, Ottawa. Fifty-Seventh Annual Report, 1956. Pages 17 and 18 of 61 pages.)

The National Interest "Up until recent years, the NCC and its planners were in effect the only long-range planners in the National Capital Region. But as Ottawa, Hull and their surrounding communities grew, other jurisdictions began to assume their own and proper responsibility for planning. Naturally administrative conflicts have resulted."

"Under the National Capital Act, the Commission is responsible for protecting and promoting the national interest in the Capital. The objectives and purposes of the Commission are set out in the Act: "To prepare plans for and assist in the development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region in order that the nature and character of the seat of government of Canada may be in accordance with its national significance."

"It has been argued by some that only municipal authorities have the responsibility for promulgating and implementing region-wide plans in the National Capital Region. The Commission holds that this view is unconstitutional."

"Provincial and municipal authorities have responsibility for local concerns in their respective jurisdictions in the Region. But their responsibilities cannot be construed as representing the national interest...If Parliament had not wanted to see a national character for the Capital it would not have created an agency for that purpose, and there has been such an agency since 1899." (1975-1976 Annual Report of the National Capital Commission, page 9/52.)

Senator wants NCC to have power to limit development near Parliament Hill by Tom Spears, Ottawa Citizen December 13, 2019.