The long-vacant lands west of Ottawa's downtown core will start to see some action in 2021, the National Capital Commission's board of directors heard Thursday.

Community groups in Ottawa want the NCC to sign an agreement that will give the public more power in shaping the LeBreton Flats redevelopment.

An Ottawa-based home builder is moving ahead with its development plan previously approved by council, albeit with slight modifications.

The NCC is gearing up to launch a call for development proposals for the first parcel of land in LeBreton Flats in the coming weeks, CEO Tobi Nussbaum said Thursday.

Here's a look back at some of the biggest stories in the national capital over the last 12 months.

The CEO of the National Capital Commission answers questions about city building, how the National Capital Region has transformed and the future of LeBreton Flats.

"It's great to have a really big plan, but it's much better to actually have a very solid plan that's positive, that is going to happen."

The National Capital Commission has released a draft of its "renewed vision" for the long-empty LeBreton Flats – a plan that divides the site into purpose-built districts.

It's been nearly four months since the NCC cut the cord on the agreement it struck with the RendezVous LeBreton Group to develop the 55-acre site west of Parliament Hill.

The cost of covering the stones with asphalt is $4,900, all in, a spokesperson for the NCC said.