The 130-acre LeBreton Flats in 1983.

House of Commons Ottawa November 23, 1967 The Hon. George McIlraith (Minister of Public Works): "The LeBreton Flats are 4,450 feet from the Peace Tower, or less than a mile...The LeBreton Flats were envisioned as a western extension of the Parliamentary Precinct. Buildings on or near the Precinct cannot be any taller than the Peace Tower,"

House of Commons Ottawa February 23, 1965 The Hon. Mr. Cardin (Minister of Public Works): "Some time ago a decision was reached to construct the Department of National Defence Headquarters in the Lebreton Flats area. At that time it was decided that other government buildings should be located in the same area, forming a complex of buildings from Parliament Hill to the Lebreton Flats."

It is unconstitutional to build private residential towers and athletic arenas on the Flats: National Capital Commission Annual Report 1975/1976, page 9/52: The National Interest "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 the 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 planning 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 a national agency for that purpose."
The Dream Lebreton condos cannot be constructed because they are taller than the Peace Tower. And the Lebreton Flats are part of the Parliamentary Precinct. The high rise buildings are part of a private enterprise.


Lebreton Flats Park is now a parkette, 3.5 hectares.