A controversial policy that could allow developers to build structures up to 27 storeys high in Centretown is facing public scrutiny this month.
The Ontario Municipal Board slated 15 days, starting Sept. 15 at city hall, to hear appeals of the Centretown Community Design Plan. The Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corp. and the Centretown Citizens Community Association are among the parties opposing a policy within the plan that could allow buildings up to 27 storeys tall provided they meet criteria as a “landmark” development.
To be considered, developments should have at least 40 per cent green space and be publicly accessible, displaying “significant . . . contributions to the public realm,” according to the plan.
Critics argue the provision could open the door for developers to skirt the nine-storey maximum height restriction that’s currently in place in Centretown.
The first real test of the policy, an application put forward by developer Mastercraft Starwood for a dual-tower condominium building for 267 O’Connor St., is making the hearing a hot topic in the community.
Mastercraft Starwood is aiming high and wants approval for all 27 storeys to replace the six-storey medical centre currently located at the O’Connor Street address.
Critical of the new policy, the CCOC wrote a letter to the City of Ottawa opposing the application for the condos, says Ray Sullivan, executive director of the non-profit housing company.
The city’s criteria for getting that extra height is “too loose, you could drive a truck through it,” he says.
The condo towers “would make a mockery of the idea of a heritage district,” says Sullivan, referring to a special provincial designation that recognizes the general historic character of the architecture in downtown Ottawa.
Heritage Ottawa, however, supports the idea behind the policy, says Leslie Maitland, president of the volunteer organization. Having tall buildings on the fringes of a heritage area enhances the district through contrast, she says.
Denis Schryburt, a candidate in the current city council race for Somerset Ward, says intensification has to be done with heritage values in mind.
“Just putting up glass buildings does not seem to meet . . . the character of our community,” says Schryburt.
Sally Coutts, co-ordinator of heritage services at the City of Ottawa, says 267 O’Connor St. is in Centretown’s heritage district and would require an additional application under the Ontario Heritage Act in order for developers to move forward.
Even if no amendments to the policy are made, it doesn’t mean the condo application will be approved as is.
Developers “take the rules that the city has set down, and they use them as an inspiration,” says Sullivan. The proposed condo towers fall just short of the policy’s 40 per cent green space requirement, he says.
The green space surrounding the condos would be privately owned instead of publicly owned, says Schryburt, so he doesn’t expect the city to approve the application.
Another Somerset Ward candidate, Jeff Morrison, says the OMB appeal process hinders progress when it comes to community design plans like Centretown’s.
“You could have the best (plan) in the world and it won’t matter so long as this court of final appeal exists,” says Morrison, who would rather see the city have the final say on local matters.
“The appeal process through the OMB is the most arcane, bizarre process within the province of Ontario,” he says.
Sullivan will be attending the OMB hearing to make sure the CCOC’s voice is heard.
“Densification is healthy for the neighbourhood, but you have to find that middle ground that allows for growth without compromising and destroying the character of the neighbourhood that’s already here.”