Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa’s Carling Avenue corridor is poised for another major transformation as Turn Group Ltd. tapped global design firm Arcadis last Tuesday (March 24) to lead a four-tower, mixed-use development at 299 Carling Ave.
The three-acre parcel, currently functioning as a 300-space surface parking lot bounded by Carling Avenue, Bell Street, and Lebreton Street South, will be redeveloped to add 750 residential units and more than 600,000 sq. ft. of mixed-use space to the rapidly intensifying Little Italy neighbourhood.
The site, formerly owned by Canada Lands Company (CLC), a joint partnership with the Algonquins of Ontario, is now moving forward under the new ownership of Turn Group, which operates offices in Ottawa and Calgary.
“This project represents the best of what Arcadis’ integrated cross-country design teams can deliver,” said Scott Arbuckle, Canada Country Director at Arcadis. “From client engagement and advisory services to architectural design and civil engineering, our teams nationwide are committed to shaping a development that is functional, sustainable, and attuned to Ottawa’s urban fabric.”
Design and community impact
According to the March 24 announcement from Arcadis, the development will feature four towers ranging in height from 13 to 30 storeys. This marks an increase in density from the original CLC proposal, which initially envisioned three buildings topping out at 20 storeys and approximately 600 units.
The architectural design aims to reflect the city’s harmony between urban living and natural landscapes, drawing inspiration from the “organic curves of Dow’s Lake.”
Key design elements will include:
- Living facades and green roofs that embed greenery throughout the built environment.
- Natural materials paying homage to Ottawa’s agrarian roots.
- Large windows and terraced balconies designed to offer sweeping lake views.
- Pedestrian-friendly pathways connecting the site to the nearby Dow’s Lake LRT station.
“With a strong commitment to inclusive housing, the development is designed to welcome a diverse mix of residents,” Turn Group CEO Ash Mahmoud said in a release. “Thoughtfully planned amenities, generous green spaces, and inviting public areas will create a lively, connected, and wellness‑focused urban environment.”
Construction costs and timelines
While the design and scope of the project have been solidified, specific construction costs and a target completion timeline for the Turn Group development have not yet been publicly disclosed. Mahmoud noted that “more exciting updates are on the way as the project continues to evolve.”
