NCC planning and real estate chief leaving for private sector

The man in charge of planning and real estate for the National Capital Commission, and who has been an important player in the redevelopment of LeBreton Flats, is leaving the agency for the private sector.

Stephen Willis became the NCC's executive director of capital planning in May 2014, after spending fifteen years at the consulting firm, MMM Group.

Since losing its event-planning functions to the Department of Canadian Heritage in 2013, the NCC's mandate has been even more focused on planning and managing federal lands in the region.

So, Willis's role at the NCC is an important one.

He was on the five-person team that evaluated the two competing bids to redevelop LeBreton Flats. He also gave the presentation to the NCC board in April, announcing that the proposal backed by the Ottawa Senators had ranked highest.

Negotiations with RendezVous LeBreton, and on all NCC projects will go ahead, said spokesperson Nicholas Galletti.

"We have a strong team of planners and real estate professionals who will continue the work," said Galletti.

Willis will attend his last NCC board meeting at the end of the month.