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.
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.