Editorial: Claridge shouldn’t build monster tower
By Dustin Cook
The recent plan to double the proposed number of homes in a section of the LeBreton Flats redevelopment has sparked concerns over the impact it will have on the community.
The concerns are justified and the developer should consider other options.
Earlier this month, Claridge Homes announced its plan to add five new condo buildings — including an instantly controversial 55-storey landmark tower.
The original plan dates from 2005, when Claridge purchased 4.4 hectares of land from the NCC with the idea to build mid-rise buildings totalling 850 residential units.
But this traditional vision and modest level of intensity came into question as the development progressed and the future Pimisi LRT station at LeBreton Flats came into view. With light-rail transit set to bring efficient mass transportation to downtown Ottawa, the city is encouraging maximized population density near these new stations.
This push for density is a reflection of the city’s plan to promote LRT usage in the city. Through this plan, the city is hoping to guide people away from cars and have a positive impact on the environment, cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
But with such a huge jump from the original vision, Claridge’s plan has been met with mixed reviews.
The key concern is the height of the 55-storey condo tower proposed for the east side of Booth Street. Ottawa’s urban design review panel, an independent advisory board responsible for assessing development projects, has suggested the planned building may to be too overpowering and take away from other nearby landmarks, such as the Canadian War Museum and even Parliament Hill.
The panelists said the tower may compromise the views of national symbols in the downtown core and look very out of place around smaller buildings and flat land.
Many see LeBreton as a transitional community between the downtown core and nearby neighbourhoods and believe it needs a design with a more welcoming approach.
Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney has said she’s concerned the large structure could overshadow the rest of the neighbourhood. She agreed with the panel that although increasing population density around the LRT station is not a bad idea, the effect the building has on the community must be considered.
Another essential feature of the development is green space, including a new city park. The park is designed to integrate five historical bridges in the community that date back to the mid-1800s. Another important component of the park is the city’s old water-supply aqueduct in the same area — described by the chair of the panel as a “jewel” that many Ottawa residents were unaware of.
So, another major concern is that the tower will cast shadows over these public spaces in the community.
Claridge and the NCC, which is overseeing the project on behalf of the federal government, need to look at the big picture and critically consider whether a 55-storey tower is essential to the Flats’ success. As well, they must consider the feedback from Ottawa residents.
It is essential that all parties look at ways to increase density in the area without a 55-storey monster looming over the city.