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Is it too late to cancel the Tewin development?

Is it too late to cancel the Tewin development?

One local councillor intends to file a motion in an attempt to scrap the project. But city staff say that would bring many unwanted risks

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Good morning!

It’s been great to hear from the many Lookout readers who recently responded to our survey. We’ve been going over all your comments and are looking to make the Ottawa Lookout better than it already is. Surprisingly, I’ve also recently heard from a number of loyal readers who used to work with my mom in the government. I never knew she was once so popular! But she’s happy to hear so many people still remember her from what seems like a lifetime ago.

What the Lookout has shown me in the nearly two years I’ve been involved with the organization is just how involved and engaged our community is. And it’s amazing to see. We live in a world where people don’t take much time to meet their neighbours and engage in friendly human interaction. But in many ways, it feels like a piece of that lives within the Lookout. I hope one day soon we can plan an event where readers will have a chance to mingle and discuss the issues which matter most to you.

Today we’ve got a members-only story on the approved Tewin development, which some councillors want to see cancelled. Needless to say there are lots of mixed opinions. I reached out to all the local Osoogde Ward council candidates, which I haven’t seen from any other publication. You will have the chance to see where they stand on the contentious issue.

We also have a story about Nili Kaplan-Myrth resigning as an Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee.

And as I did not press the right button when creating the Geo guesser for Wednesday’s newsletter, the correct answer was the Brookfield-Sawmill Creek Pathway.

Let’s get to it!

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

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WEATHER

Friday: 26 🌡️ 15 | ☁️

Saturday: 23 🌡️ 12 | ☀️

Sunday: 24 🌡️ 15 | 🌤️

Monday: 23 🌡️ 17 | 🌧️

THE LOOKOUT RECOMMENDS

Budget chicken: Look, there’s no need to visit KFC this weekend. Our food editor says Pili Pili at 205 Dalhousie St. is the perfect spot to try African wood-fired chicken. The best part? It’s one of those rare places where the quality of the food is maintained even with affordable prices.

Yeast and east: A few readers have mentioned we don’t feature enough about the east side of Ottawa. I’m not sure that’s actually true, but we’re always open to more feedback. To that end, our event recommendation this weekend is the Orléans Craft Beer Festival at 255 Centrum Blvd, today and tomorrow. Many of Ottawa’s best breweries are attending, along with some great food options.

ICYMI: We commissioned our first art and culture story a few weeks ago, looking at Artengine at 2 Daly Ave. Ottawa has some great local arts venues, and the volunteer-run Artengine is no exception, focusing on experimental creative art like bio-punk art, futuristic rocking chairs and a whole lot more. You read that story there.

CITY

Councillor intends to file motion to stop controversial Tewin development

Drawings showing what the Tewin development could look like. City of Ottawa handout.

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An urban Ottawa city councillor wants the city to reconsider its decision from four years ago to build the 445-hectare Tewin development in the city's rural southeast end.

Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh says moving forward with the original plans would be costly, rushed, and noted that there should be more consultation done with local Indigenous communities.

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Kavanagh originally brought a motion forward, but has withdrawn it until after a new councillor is elected in Osgoode Ward, which was previously held by George Darouze.

“I've always felt very uncomfortable about it because it was very obvious to me that the planning department analyzed it very thoroughly, and made it clear that this wasn't very feasible,” Kavanagh told the Lookout. “The reason is the distance from the rest of the city, the cost for infrastructure, soil quality and transportation would be a problem as well.”

Kavanagh, who voted against the project back in 2021, said it never “passed the sniff test”, but was approved because other files that were more suitable were dropped off the list.

“If you're going to turn down some problem projects, you have to fill in with others. And the ones that they dropped were ones where there were protests locally — particularly in West Carleton,” noted Kavanagh. “But those were the ones that would have made more sense.”

When the file was first debated, the lands were in Coun. Catherine Kitts’ ward, but since then municipal boundaries have changed. At the time, Kitts said she was in support of the file because it was an opportunity to build a new community from a “blank slate.” She also noted it was a better option than distributing urban expansion lands in an area like South Orléans.

So what is Tewin?

Tewin would be built on land owned by Algonquins of Ontario Realty Corp. and Taggart Group. Multiple consultations and studies have taken place, and last year the city approved an infrastructure master plan. It’s pegged at a cost of $312 million to be completed by 2046, but would go up after that. Tewin has committed to fund the infrastructure which directly benefits the development including future transit, roads, and infrastructure.

But Kavanagh said the costs are just too high, with an estimated price tag of $591 million just for water and wastewater. She also said many “true” First Nations Communities have said they were not the ones who were consulted.

“We were sold the bill of goods that this was about reconciliation, and it wasn't. I have met with the First Nations, and they do not want to see this go forward,” said Kavanagh. “They feel insulted by the fact that it has been considered without their consultation.”

Barrhaven East Coun. Wilson Lo, who voted in support of Tewin’s infrastructure plan, said he thinks it’s too late for a reversal and worries it could land the city in an even worse spot.

“When we approve a development, it's fairly legally binding. And if we were to reverse course on Tewin, we would have to expand square metre for square metre somewhere else in the city,” said Lo. ”On top of that, because the urban expansion has already been approved, the developer could very well take the city to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The legal advice is that they will very likely win this.”

If that were to happen, Lo said the city could find itself in a position where the existing Tewin development would need to move forward, along with whatever new parcel of land was chosen.

City staff have indicated any change could jeopardize years of work that have already been taken. Transportation and infrastructure master plans would need serious review. They currently project 15,000 homes would be built at Tewin and would have shops and services for an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 people.

Artistic renderings showing the future Tewin site in the winter. City of Ottawa handout.

So what do the Osgoode Ward council candidates think?

With the Osgoode by-election being held June 16, the Ottawa Lookout reached out to the 11 candidates running in the rural riding about what they think should be done with the Tewin development. Here is what those who answered had to say.

Jennifer van Koughnett, who has centred much of her campaign around Tewin, said the project should not proceed due to many unanswered questions, including building on Leda clay.

“My understanding, informed by the Tewin website and Ottawa’s infrastructure plan, highlights a primary concern: the lack of clear, consistent data on taxpayer costs and environmental impacts,” she said.

Isabelle Skalski raised similar points, but said she wants the Tewin file to be a “success story” for Osgoode.

Peter Westaway said he doesn’t want the project to go through either. He takes issue with Ottawa’s Greenbelt and wants to “build cutting edge eco-villages on these urban cornfields.”

Candidate Bobby Gulati has a different view and says Tewin would be a “win-win” for Osgoode Ward, the developer and the City of Ottawa.

“All political parties, both in the federal and provincial election ran their campaigns based on increasing housing supply, “Made in Canada” and economic growth. If rejected (hypothetically), developers always have the option to go around the city and work through the Ontario Land Tribunal where they are finding success,” said Gulati.

Graig Vail, also running in Osgoode, said he’s held meetings with councillors and has come to the conclusion that Tewin is a needed development.

Dan O’Brien shared very similar concerns and said he’s met with the developers who are willing to address concerns raised by nearby residents.

“We mustn't forget that all levels of Government are aware of the large-scale housing shortage and are promoting the construction of housing,” he said.

Former area Councillor Doug Thompson — who many see as a front runner in the race because he lost by less than 200 votes in 2022 — said he was “disappointed” by how the file was handled initially. But he didn’t say if it should be cancelled or not.

“There are certainly legitimate concerns from the residents, due mainly to the lack of accurate information from the City,” said Thompson. “Residents deserve a whole review and discussion and following that I would make my decision on any motion regarding this file.”

Would you consider biking to work this June?

It’s June, and that means Let’s Bike Month has begun! In just 11 days, participants have already biked more than halfway around the Earth!

Let’s Bike Month is EnviroCentre’s annual campaign to inspire Ottawa residents to choose cycling for commuting and everyday trips. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ottawa, and every bike ride helps reduce pollution and fight climate change.

It’s easy (and free) to take part: sign up at letsbike.ca, log your rides, and you’ll be entered to win daily prizes throughout June.

We’re also hosting workshops, community events, and guided bike tours with City Councillors in seven wards - see the full listing here. Whether you’re a new rider or a regular daily commuter, Let’s Bike Month is for you. See you on the bike path!

THE OTTAWA NUMBER

2,231

💉 The number of Ontarians who died from opioid-related overdoses in 2024. That shows a 15 per cent decrease compared to 2023 statistics. [CBC]

THE AGENDA

🚙 Ottawa has a new way to argue against parking tickets. Local drivers can request a 'screening review' either online or in person through the new Administrative Penalty System, which was introduced on June 4. [Ottawa Citizen]

🔥 Air quality alerts have been issued across Ottawa as smoke from the wildfires out west blankets the Capital. The smoke may pose health risks, Environment Canada said, advising people in affected areas to limit time outdoors and to consider rescheduling outdoor activities. The local air quality index could be seven or higher on Friday. [CBC]

💰 Ottawa city council is getting ready to take on debt to maintain everything it owns, but it has some councillors worried. What’s making everything so high is construction inflation costs and climate change. One report shows a $10.8-billion gap over a decade between how much money the city needs to maintain things like roads and recreation centres, and the funding it is currently able to spend. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe calls it “good debt.” [CBC]

🏥 An investigation into the relationship between Renfrew Victoria Hospital and Renfrew Health has found there was a “range of financial irregularities pertaining to the actions” of the former CEO at the hospital. The report by the Ontario government-appointed supervisor found nearly $3 million was spent on executive compensation at the hospital. with “no demonstrated roles or accountabilities” within Renfrew Health. [CTV]

👬 Despite the failed artificial skating rink, which was aimed at bringing more people to the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhood saw fewer visits this winter than in previous years. Statistics available on the City of Ottawa’s website show there were 4.338 million visits to the popular tourist area in the January to March period, down from 5.004 million visits during the same period in 2024. [CTV]

🚎 We now know where outgoing OC Transpo General manager Renée Amilcar is going. She will soon head up the new Mobilité Infra Québec, an organization the province says will conduct feasibility analyses, planning, and implementation of complex transportation infrastructure projects, including public transit projects. [CTV]

🗑️ New data shows Ottawa residents are going through less garbage after the three-bag limit was introduced last fall. In total 41,506 tonnes of garbage were sent to Ottawa’s landfill in the first five months of 2025, down from 51,279 tonnes of garbage during the January to May period in 2024. Residents sent 51,504 tonnes of waste to the landfill in the January to May period of 2023. [CTV]

🚗 It’s no surprise to drivers, but Carling Avenue is once again the worst road in Ottawa — but at least it doesn’t rank as one of the worst roads in Ontario. Richmond Road was voted the second worst road in Ottawa, followed by Bronson Avenue, Merivale Road and Hunt Club Road. [CTV]

👮‍♂️ The man accused in the recent Gloucester femicide was also charged with attempted murder after a stabbing at the Royal Ottawa. Stephen Doane, 57, has been charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon and aggravated assault in connection with the hospital incident. He has also been charged with second-degree murder in the killing of Tracey Duncan, which occurred the same day. [Ottawa Citizen]

WEEKEND EVENT GUIDE

ESPS Ottawa Book Fair and Silent Auction | Elgin Street Public School, 310 Elgin St | Now until June 8, various times | Book sale with 10k+ books and silent auction | Free

Idiotqeue - performs Radiohead’s THE BENDS - 30th Anniversary | Overflow Brewing Co, 2477 Kaladar Ave | June 6, 8:30 pm | Idioteque returns to perform Radiohead’s classic 1995 album | Tickets $25

Int’l Vocal Jazz Trio Entertains at Centretown Cocktail Hotspot | Night Oat, 750 Gladstone Ave | June 7, 7:30 - 10 pm | An unforgettable evening for you to enjoy cocktails | Tickets $22.63

Witness Courage. Honour History. Celebrate Pride | 717 Notre-Dame St | June 7, 1 - 3 pm | The Fruit Machine, spotlighting Canada's dark history and the resilience of 2SLGBTQ I+ service members | Free

2025 Cumberland Farmers Market Season | Cumberland Farmers' Market, 1115 Dunning Rd | June 7, 9 am to 1 pm | Opening day for this season’s farmers market | Free

Loretta Ave. Block Party | 955A Gladstone Ave | June 7–8, noon to 8 pm | DJs, food trucks, crafts, drinks & family fun | Free

NIGHTCAP | The Origin Arts & Community Centre, 57 Lyndale Ave | June 7, 7 - 11 pm | Nightcap with Claudia Joseph, an evening with live music, great company, food and drinks | Tickets $15

Summer Fitness Series | Tanger Outlets, 8555 Campeau Dr | June 8, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm | An opportunity to stay active and healthy this summer! | Free

Dumpling Fest Ottawa | Ottawa, ON K2P 2E3 | June 11, 5:30–9:30 pm | Tasting tour of global dumplings at local restaurants | Tickets $69

Family Paint Party | The Bridge Public House, 1 Donald St | June 13, 7 - 9 pm | A Night of creativity and fun to celebrate Pride | Tickets $ 47.08

Celebrate Pride with Author Emily Austin | Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Rd | June 14, 7 - 8 pm | Emily will be in conversation with Francesco MacAllister-Caruso, discussing her novels | Free

Star Trek vs Star Wars | Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 355 Cooper St | June 14, 7:30 - 9:30 pm | Which universe will triumph in this cosmic showdown? | Tickets $22.08

Ottawa Retro & Antique Market | 955A Gladstone Ave | June 14–15, 11 am to 5 pm | Vintage decor, fashion, vinyl, and collectibles | Free

Spring Workshop: Tropical Terrarium Workshop by The Urban Botanist | Wallack's Art Supplies and Framing, 305 Bank St | June 15, 12:45 - 3 pm | create stunning, nature-inspired masterpieces | Tickets $218.54

EDUCATION

Nili Kaplan-Myrth resigns from Ottawa-Carleton District School Board

Nili Kaplan-Myrth said her decision to resign came due to toxicity from inside and outside the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

Time to move on: Board meetings are out of session for Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Trustee Nili Kaplan-Myrth, who has resigned from her position effective immediately.

Kaplan-Myrth, whose day job is as a downtown family physician, said she chose to step down from serving her Alta Vista and Capital Ward residents “because of the toxicity from outside of this board and also from within this board,” she told trustees at a June 3 meeting.

The theatrics: After reading her resignation speech, trustee Cathryne Milburn asked the board chair Lynn Scott if she had any comments. But before having the chance to answer, Kaplan-Myrth chimed in and said, “It's not her who has the final word. That is my resignation." Then she put her resignation letter in front of Scott.

Controversy: The bold actions shouldn’t come as a surprise following what’s been an eventful few years for the OCDSB. After debating various key decisions, Kaplan-Myrth, who is Jewish, said she’s received countless death threats and other hateful words for being an advocate for LGBTQ2S+ rights and supporting COVID-19 protocols.

The outgoing representative also accused the board of fostering “toxicity” and “dysfunction.”

A different opinion: But Scott said that isn’t true and the board did everything in their power to limit the number of hateful online attacks the Zone 9 trustee was receiving, and even implemented a security plan.

A complicated legacy: In November 2022, following a failed motion on reinstating mask mandates in schools, it was reported Kaplan-Myrth tried to intimidate fellow trustees. Then in 2023 those accusations came back up when Donna Dickson, a Black trustee, said her board colleague sent “extremely insensitive, insulting and disrespectful” text messages after she was told not to “vote with white supremacists” for opposing the mask mandate vote.

A subsequent vote to sanction Kaplan-Myrth failed, but an outburst from her during that December 2023 meeting then led to the physician being barred from an OCDSB meeting and from sitting on various committees for 90 days.

Kaplan-Myrth then filed a human rights complaint stating the board failed to address her concerns, but Ontario’s courts later dismissed it.

That was one of three times the board tried to sanction Kaplan-Myrth. In April this year, Barrhaven Trustee Donna Blackburn lodged a complaint against the doctor, accusing her of violating the Code and of causing “great harm to the Palestinian community and to the reputation of the OCDSB.”

Blackburn’s comments came after Kaplan-Myrth spoke against a member of the board's equity committee who was wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn in parts of the Middle East. She called it an “act of aggression."

Next steps: Kaplan-Myrth’s letter of resignation must be accepted at the next board meeting. Then, a new trustee must be chosen within 90 days.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Photo by Charlie Senack.

Check out the wildfire smoke which is starting to blanket Ottawa. This photo was taken at the Rideau Canoe Club near Mooney’s Bay on Thursday evening.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Vending machines at O-Train stations? It could be a thing. [CTV]
An Ottawa bakery that’s good at bread and pastry? This is the one.
Congrats to the Taste of Hope which raised $400,000 for Shepherds of Good Hope. [OBJ]
Okay, this is a very clever sign at the Ottawa Public Library. [Reddit]
The city is asking for feedback on the neighbourhood plan for Barrhaven South.
North America’s largest outdoor trampoline park is set to open near Gatineau. [CTV]
Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

OTTAWA WORDLE

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