City council has rejected a proposal to build two high-rise buildings in Centretown’s westend.
The $230-million development proposed by DCR/Phoenix Development Corp. Ltd. would seek to erect two 30-storey buildings on Albert Street on City Centre Avenue by Bayview Station on the transitway.
In order for the project to go ahead, the developer needs the city to change the site’s zoning.
However, councillors were worried that the project had community design issues and could threaten half of the city’s residents’ access to water.
Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes said that any digging on the site could create a water disaster by forcing the closure of either of the two main sewer lines that run under the property.
Ontario law requires that municipalities defend their decision to refuse development within 120 days of when they receive proposal.
DCR/Phoenix submitted its proposal in March and can plead its case to the Ontario Municipal Board, which often rules in the developer’s favour, as early as August.
The developer bought the 1.44-hectare property in 2004 from the National Capital Commission.