By Joanne Chianello, Ottawa Citizen, June 26, 2014
The National Capital Commission Thursday approved a “demonstration plan” for new
signage for the Ottawa Convention Centre that includes two-metre high lettering
at the sidewalk level and “halo” lit signage for the south-facing wall. The
Convention Centre has said it is looking to sell naming rights to the building,
which is on NCC land. While the NCC would need to approve a final design —
there’s been no sponsor for the Convention Centre named yet — the board of
directors did approve general guidelines for new signage. These include huge,
street level letters that could also serve as public art and possibly seating.
On the south facade that face the Rideau Canal, the NCC approved back-lit
lettering along with “temporary banners.” The new plan replaced an older, failed
scheme to install digital videos and advertising on the southern wall.—— The
controversial willow tree blocking the view of the Casino du Lac Leamy’s
firework show at the Canadian Museum of History will get the axe after all. In
an agreement that NCC chairman Russ Mills jokingly described as The Willow Tree
Accord, the NCC approved the removal of the offending willow if the government
of Quebec also agreed to chop down another willow on provincial land. Apparently
the two trees share a root system.. The casino wanted to move its Sound of Light
show to the museum lands as the event had outgrown the gambling site, and the
museum was game. But the Lac Leamy people originally wanted to cut down four
trees near the Ottawa River to allow a better view of the fireworks. The NCC
said no to that request — citing shoreline integrity — but will allow the
cutting down of the single willow. The casino will also have to replace the tree
with shrubs, grasses and vines “to help vegetate the shoreline.” via
NCC approves OCC signage, cutting down of willow tree | Ottawa Citizen.