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January 30, 2026
An Open Letter to the RA Community Dear RA Community, Over the past week we’ve heard from some of you following the release of highly conceptual planning materials related to the future of Confederation Heights and what a future home for the RA might look like. I want to take a moment to provide some context, address concerns around the perceived footprint of a future RA and clarify where we are, and just as importantly, where we are not. For those who may not be familiar with what prompted this discussion, the Canada Lands Corporation (CLC) is leading a long-term master planning process for Confederation Heights, a federal campus where the RA sits, that is being reimagined as a more connected mixed-use community. As part of that process, the CLC held a public open house on Thursday, January 22nd, where it shared high-level, conceptual illustrations showing how the site could evolve over many years. These materials included one illustrative example of how a future RA presence might fit within that broader vision. The images were intended to support community engagement and exploration of possibilities, not to represent decisions, designs, or detailed plans. For those who wish to review the materials in full context, the complete set of boards and information is available here. First and foremost, it’s important to be very clear: what was shared is highly conceptual and years away from becoming reality. These materials are not designs, not plans, and certainly not decisions. They are placeholders and illustrations intended to help explore what could be possible for the RA within a much broader, long-term redevelopment of Confederation Heights. Importantly, decisions about building form and decisions about programming and activity will go hand in hand and inform one another over time. At this stage, nothing has been defined in terms of what would be inside a future facility, what programs it would host, or how the RA would ultimately operate within that space. What is being explored is a modern approach to building community spaces. An approach that reflects how recreation facilities are increasingly being built in dense, mixed-use environments. This often means stacked, efficient, multi-level buildings that make better use of land while remaining vibrant, welcoming, and highly functional. It is a different physical expression than what many of us grew up with, and it’s completely understandable that this shift raises questions and, in some cases, concern. Green Space, Land Use, and the Bigger Picture Several people have commented that the RA appears to have less green space in the conceptual materials that were shared. That observation is understandable, and it’s an important issue to address. What’s important to recognize is that these early concepts look at land use across Confederation Heights as a whole, not just within the boundaries the RA currently occupies. In that broader context, green space is not disappearing; it is being reimagined, redistributed, and integrated differently, often more intentionally and more publicly accessible than it is today. It is also an open and honest question whether occupying all the acreage the RA currently does is the best use of land and resources, particularly in a city facing a significant housing crisis. I would argue that it likely is not. As stewards of public land and a community-focused organization, we have a responsibility to think not only about our own footprint, but about how land can best serve the broader social good. That does not mean the RA retreats from outdoor space or green programming. Rather, it means we may need to think differently about where and how those experiences are delivered.' More RA, in More Places One of the opportunities emerging from the Confederation Heights conversation is the potential for programmatic activity to extend beyond a single site. Instead of concentrating everything on one large parcel, the future may allow for more RA in more places with programs, activities, and community presence woven throughout the campus, surrounding area and the broader National Capital Region. This distributed model has the potential to:
At this stage, none of this is defined. But the goal is not to shrink the RA’s role it is to extend it, thoughtfully and responsibly. What is clear, and what I believe we owe you honesty about, is this: our current facility is at the end of its life. Years of deferred capital investment, combined with the realities of aging infrastructure, mean that maintaining the status quo indefinitely is not a viable or responsible option. Compounding this reality is the fact that the RA operates on land where our lease has a fixed and known end date, with no option for renewal. Doing nothing, hoping that circumstances won’t force change upon us is, in truth, the greatest risk we face. The redevelopment of Confederation Heights, even though it will unfold over many years, presents a unique and timely opportunity for the RA to prepare for the future: to ensure that we remain a vital, relevant, and resilient community asset not just for today’s members, but for future generations. Engaging early, thinking long-term, and participating in these conversations is how we protect the RA’s mission, not abandon it. I want to be very clear: this is not about shrinking the RA’s role in the community. It is about securing it. It is about ensuring that we have a future and one that reflects how cities are changing, how communities gather, and how we can continue to serve people well in a sustainable and socially responsible way. We are still early in this journey but what lies before us is an exciting opportunity to continue promoting health and wellness while building an even stronger, more connected RA community. There will be many opportunities for dialogue, questions, and input as we move forward. My commitment is to approach this work thoughtfully, transparently, and with respect for the community that makes the RA what it is. Thank you for caring enough to engage, to question, and to share your perspectives. These conversations matter, and they will help shape what comes next. I am committed to creating many more opportunities for discussion as this work evolves, including dedicating time in future Town Halls to talk openly about the RA’s long-term planning and the choices we will face together. Warm regards, Ian Fraser Chief Executive Officer RA Centre |
