Controversial development near Airport gets green light from Planning Committee

Good morning! 

I was watching the six o’clock news on Thursday night and there was a story about religious artifacts that were stolen from inside a trailer near Baseline and Merivale. Their history goes back to 1947 when the Pope visited Lansdowne Park. They were used again in 2022 when Pope Francis came to Canada for what was a historic visit. 

It made me think of something that recently happened to me. A few months back my partner decided to order us blessed medals from the Vatican. We aren’t the most religious people, but it felt like a fitting thing to do after some turbulent circumstances earlier this year. Unfortunately, they were dropped off at my front door instead of my building's parcel room, where they were told to go. When we went to look for the box, we could not find it. The parcel was stolen. 

These were items blessed by the Pope, shipped from Rome to Ottawa, only to be taken by a thief. Surely that must bring 10 years of bad luck to whoever did it…. Luckily, we were able to order replacements, which were blessed by Pope Francis in Vatican Square only a week or so before he died. The medal I wear is of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers and journalists. 

This was the one and only time I’ve had a parcel stolen from my doorstep, and of course, it had to be one of the most expensive items we’ve ever ordered! Who knows where my original shipment ended up, but hopefully, the missing religious artifacts are returned and have better luck. 

Let’s get to today’s headlines.

— Charlie Senack, Ottawa Lookout managing editor, [email protected] X: @Charlie_Senack

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The Airport Authority says no, but the city’s planning committee voted yes   

A controversial housing development is one step closer to being built after the City of Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee approved the zoning amendment on Wednesday. It will now need to be passed by council for the final step of approval. 

The project, which would be located on Riverside Drive near Hunt Club Road, includes 660 units — ranging from single and semi-detached homes to four mid-high rise buildings between nine to 17 floors. 

City staff supported the development saying it aligns with applicable policies for the area. But the Airport Authority spoke against it saying it’s located too close to the flight path, and said future residents would be disturbed by the noise. 

“This site sits underneath the flight path of Runway 14 32 – YOW’s longest – and within the circuit loop for general aviation and flight training on Runway 04 22 – our shortest,” said Joel Tkach, vice‑president of business development & marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority. 

 “On average, eighty aircraft movements occur here daily, at altitudes between 50 to 150 metres,” he added. “Although the proposed residential development land lies just barely outside the Airport Operating Influence Zone, noise doesn’t respect lines on a map.”

Tkach said if approved, he feared noise complaints could lead to future restrictions. He cited Montreal and Toronto as examples which have “endured waves of complaints, political pressures and resulting curfews, and therefore lost air service.”. That could then lead to “fewer flights, reduced cargo capacity, diminished global connections and lost jobs.”

The Ottawa Airport Authority also said last year it received 140 noise complaints from 85 homes. It’s unclear where the grievances came from, but a few hundred homes sit in communities near the proposed development site on Riverside Drive. 

“A family moves into their new home. The windows are open for fresh air. The children are in bed. Then a jet roars overhead, then another, then another," said Tkach, who speculated what could happen if councillors approved the amendment. "The noise shakes walls, wakes babies, frays nerves. The next day, flight training resumes, aircraft circling overhead all day with no reprieve."  

The project's developer Taggart defended its future housing site, stating zoning changed in 2019 to permit housing and apartment complexes. The builder also said the threat of noise would clearly be stated to future buyers or renters through lease and contract agreements. 

“Part of the layout of the site from the beginning did consider the potential for impacts from both airport noise and traffic from Hunt Club and Riverside,” said Kyle Kazda, a development manager with Taggart. “This has informed the massing of the towers along those two major streets, which, at minimum, would shield — from a traffic noise perspective — the low-rise residential from that exposure.”

The city indicated that a noise feasibility assessment was done — both with roadway traffic and from the aircraft overhead. Its findings supported the project going through. Taggart says it plans to use certain materials in its wall components, roof sheathing and insulation to lessen the sounds. 

River Ward Coun. Riley Brockington — who represents the area of the proposed development — said anyone moving to the site should already be aware it’s close to the airport and therefore planes would be flying overhead. 

The Hunt Club Community Association also spoke favourably about the future development, saying it would bring much-needed housing to an area of the city which lacks it. 

“When new housing goes up, even when it's market rent, that helps alleviate the housing crisis and prices within the surrounding area," said Audrey Belanger, president of the Hunt Club Community Association. 

"As a community association, we get emails on the regular from families looking for housing in our area, so there's definitely a need, and nobody's asking us about the planes,” she added.

The Planning and Housing Committee approved the minor zoning amendment 8-3. Councillors Brockington, Laine Johnson, Tim Tierney, Catherine Kitts, Theresa Kavanagh, Clarke Kelly, Ariel Troster, and Jeff Leiper voted in favour. Laura Dudas, Cathy Curry and Wilson Lo were the three who voted against the changes. 

The report goes before council on June 25.

Have some thoughts on this story? Want to share some insight with the Lookout community? Share your opinion in our Comment Corner and it could be featured in future newsletters.

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Jazz time: The Ottawa Jazz Festival starts today, and if you attend one event this week, this has to be it. Musicians performing over this weekend include DJ Questlove, The Roots, guitarist Richard Bona, as well as free events from a pianist, singers, a clarinetist and more! Full list here. 

Weekend brunch: Ralf has a few recommendations if you’re seeking a morning out eating. Cheese and Olives does great Palestinian food, Mellos Coffee Shop is a step back in time, while Stacked, which yes is a chain, is cheap enough it’s worth a visit. And if you want a trip for something truly special, then head out to Alymer and visit Antonyme. Try the eggs benedict or the shrimp salad.

ICYMI: We broke down the changes that are coming to Mooney’s Bay Beach, though much of it is contingent on funding.

12,654

📸 The number of tickets issued by Ottawa's red-light cameras during the first four months of this year. The busiest was at Wellington Street and Bay Street, which issued 624 tickets from January to April. During that time period, 2,000 fewer tickets were issued compared to those four months in 2024. [CTV]

📢 Advocates are calling on the Ottawa- Carleton District School Board to apologize after telling the valedictorian of Bell High School to stay home following pro-Palestinian remarks made at graduation. Members of Independent Jewish Voices Ottawa said students should be able to stand up for what they believe in. The OCDSB said the goal of their commencement ceremonies was to “create a joyous celebration of student achievement.” [Ottawa Citizen]

🔥 Six years after being destroyed by fire, the Vittoria Trattoria Restaurant in the ByWard Market is being restored. No timeline is in place, but the Italian eatery owner said it hopes to be open by next summer. The new restaurant will be five times the size of the original building and will keep its historic facade. Upstairs will include 14 apartments and a rooftop patio. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🏠 How much money do you need to buy a home in Ottawa? A new report from Ratehub.ca shows homebuyers in the capital needed an income of $134,020 in May to buy an average-priced home, down from $134,300 in April. According to the report, the average-priced home in Ottawa was $629,800 in May, down from $631,200 in April. [CTV]

🏘️ The National Capital Commission has approved a plan that could allow for mid-rise structures of four to five storeys to be built on Sussex Drive. The land was previously set aside for embassies, but NCC CEO Toby Nussbaum said the change is in response to Ottawa’s housing crisis. Those opposed say housing has no place on the so-called ceremonial route between Parliament Hill and the Rideau Hall grounds. [Ottawa Citizen]

🚘 Highway 417 has reopened after a serious crash sent one man to hospital with life-threatening injuries. First responders were called to the scene of the two-vehicle crash near the Metcalfe Street exit at around 11:55 a.m. One vehicle was rear-ended, paramedics said, causing it to spin out and hit the highway's guard rail. [CBC]

Cirque de Paris | Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Dr | June 12–22, 7 pm | French circus with BMX, aerialists, clowns | Tickets from $20+

Summer Solstice Indigenous Market | Byward Market, 55 Byward Market Square | June 20, 9 am | Indigenous food, 60+ vendors, fashion & music | Free

Alta Vista Market | St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2345 Alta Vista Drive | June 21, 10 am | Local goods, kids’ programs, community vibes | Free

Dandelion Festival | Hammond Golf and Country Club, 600 Du Golf Rd., Hammond| June 21, 10 am | Music, petting zoo, games, beer tasting | Free, beer tasting $15

Light at Night Kayaking | Patterson Creek Park, Ottawa | June 21, 8:30 pm | 2.5 hr guided paddle on the Rideau Canal | Tickets $54

Indigenous Peoples Day Pop-Up Market | 1 Canal Lane | June 21, 8 am | Indigenous vendors, crafts, and museum admission | Free

Live from the Booth | The Booth on Sparks Street (between Elgin St & Metcalfe St near 56 Sparks Street) | June 21, 7 pm | Free outdoor DJ concert series | Free

Bridlewood Block Party | Eva James Community Center | June 21, 10 am | Bouncy castles, bingo, magic, family fun | Free

Berry Fest | Kiwan Farms & Garden Centre, 3485 Hawthorne Road | June 21, 10 am | Kick off berry season with food, vendors, fun | Free

Ritchie Richmond Garden Party | Ritchie Feed & Seed, 5901 Ottawa St | June 21, 10 am | BBQ, prize draw, face painting, balloon twisting | Free

RSC Pickleball Grand Opening | Rideau Sports Centre, 1 Donald St | June 21, 1 pm | Pickleball, lunch, t-shirt, OWL raffle | Tickets $10

Bark n' Brew with Stray Dog Brewing Co! | Stray Dog Brewing Company | June 22, 2 pm | Dog-friendly patio party with brews and pup menu | Free

The Original Navan Market | 1279 Colonial Road | June 22, 9:30 am | Local vendor market with food and crafts | Free

Stittsville Family Bike Ride | 1500 Shea Rd | June 22, 10 am | Family ride on Trans Canada Trail + local market | Free

The Original Navan Market | 1279 Colonial Rd | June 22, 9:30 am | Outdoor market supporting local vendors | Free

Bark n' Brew with Stray Dog Brewing Co! | Stray Dog Brewing Company | June 22, 2 pm | Dog-themed brewery event with free pup menu | Free

Carleton Heights & Area Community BBQ | Carleton Heights Community Centre, 1665 Apeldoorn Ave | June 24, 5 pm | Free burgers, hot dogs, activities, music | Free

Sing-Along! Grease | ByTowne Cinema, 325 Rideau St. | June 25, 6:30 pm | Movie singalong with lyrics onscreen | Tickets $14

Ice Cream Concerts in the Park | Half Moon Bay Park, 3525 Cambrian Rd | June 27, 6 pm | Live music & ice cream for orchestra anniversary | Free

Dumpling Fest Ottawa | Various restaurants | July 30, 5:30 pm | Dumpling tasting tour, self-guided | Tickets $55–$76

What should Ottawa’s transit system look like in the next 20 years? 

Should it include light rail over the Chief William Commanda Bridge? Or what about bus-only lanes down Carling and Baseline? Those are just some of the priorities outlined in Ottawa’s long-range roadmap to get people commuting around the Capital. 

The transportation master plan’s “capital infrastructure plan” — which will be voted on by the public works and infrastructure committee next week — outlines about $3.9 billion in capital projects. 

Think you can guess today’s Ottawa Wordle? Play it here.