McCarthy Forest Update: Jurisdiction, Recent Victories, and Next Steps
Many of you have reached out with concerns about the National Capital Commission (NCC) push to rezone our greenspace. Thank you for your interest, time and for taking action. There is still more we can do! Here is the latest on our fight to preserve this vital ecosystem.
Mireille Trent, OSEAN volunteer, wants to protect the corridor near McCarthy Woods from development. Photo by TONY CALDWELL /POSTMEDIA
Jurisdiction: Who Holds the Power?
A primary concern is whether the City or Federal Government holds jurisdiction. As a federal Crown corporation, the NCC operates under the National Capital Act. While the City manages local zoning, the federal government maintains constitutional immunity to develop its land regardless of municipal rules, which it has threatened to do in the case of this rezoning.
The City’s zoning power does create a critical procedural barrier. By rejecting the "Development Reserve" status, the NCC is required to undergo a formal, public rezoning process if they wish to build, ensuring they cannot develop through a "back door."
The December 17th Victory
On December 17, 2025, the joint Planning and Housing Committee met to consider the new Zoning By-law. The NCC requested a "Development Reserve" designation, which signals that lands are intended for future urban development. Numerous groups including OSEAN delegated to demonstrate the important value of these lands.
Councillor Riley Brockington successfully introduced Motion No. 2025-07-20 to reject this status and revert the zoning to protective categories like FAC4 (Open Space Facility) and REC1 (Recreation). Prior to the meeting the NCCThe motion passed 11-4. Those not in favour: Jeff Leiper (Chair), Glen Gower, Laura Dudas and Wilson Lo.
Read the Motion: New Zoning By-law – NCC Parcels in McCarthy Woods and the Southern Corridor
Watch the Meeting: Joint Planning and Housing and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee
Media Coverage and Ecological Stakes
These lands are valuable green infrastructure that provide a significant amount of benefit for Ottawa. Preserving tree canopy, which is currently below the 25% target in River Ward, is but one of many reasons to fight for protecting this land.
"Development is swallowing up Ottawa's tree canopy..." by Laura Arenas (Ottawa Citizen).
"Ottawa residents fear greenspaces at risk..." by Joanne Laucius (Ottawa Citizen) .
To build a better city, figure out what you want before you change zoning rules by Rhys Phillips, Elizabeth McAllister (Ottawa Citizen)
Mark Your Calendars
Final City Council Vote: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 @ 10am. This is when the committee’s decision must be ratified by the full council .
New Forest Walk & Open House: A second community walk and discussion is being planned on Saturday January 17th from 1-4 pm. Please RSVP using our google form
Next Steps
The pressure is now on the NCC and our local MPs McGuinty and Naqvi. We must demand transparency and the preservation of greenspace for future generations. We encourage you to email and call your local MP to ask them to tell the NCC that they should withdraw their zoning.