Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ottawa’s municipal planning committee has approved a rezoning proposal that will convert a federally-owned parking lot near an area which once housed government mining labs into several towers, a new park, and hundreds of affordable housing units.
The zoning amendment for 299 Carling Ave. would allow the Canada Lands Company to develop a mix of buildings ranging from eight to 20 stories, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) reported.
The Crown corporation already plans to transform a 2.6-hectare site just up the street frrom the lot into to a retail and residential area some are comparing to Toronto’s Distillery District.
The proposal for 299 Carling Ave. site would see 20-storey apartment buildings rise along Carling Avenue, descending to 15 and eight storeys as one moves north.
![299 carling site](https://i0.wp.com/ontarioconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/299-carling-site-google-street-view-1024x500.png?resize=696%2C340&ssl=1)
Fifteen per cent of the residential units would be maintained as affordable housing for at least 25 years, according to the report to planning committee on Dec. 6 (Monday).
Capital Ward Coun. Shawn Menard said the quarter-century supply of affordable housing was “one of the biggest positives” to come out of the lengthy public consultation process. He also noted the plan could potentially attract a much-needed grocery store to the area.
There was no debate for the zoning amendment, which went to City Council for final approval on Dec. 8.