New proposed zoning changes would allow fourplexes to be built on single residential lots

Good morning! 

Thanks to those of you who reached out after my newsletter yesterday. It’s great to see how supportive the Lookout community is! A few of you even stopped me on the streets and in coffee shops to say that you are avid readers. 

Today I’m writing about a major proposed zoning shift that would allow for fourplexes to be built on single residential lots and future development proposals in the works on Carling.  

— Charlie Senack, [email protected]

WEATHER

Wednesday: 5 🌡️ -4 | 🌦

Thursday: 9 🌡️ -2 | ☀️

Friday: 15 🌡️ -3 |  ☀️

CITY HALL

New municipal zoning changes will build more homes faster

What happened: Proposed zoning changes will most likely be coming to Ottawa, which will allow fourplexes to be built on one residential lot while eliminating minimum parking rules, according to CTV.

The first draft of the zoning bylaw review aims to increase affordable housing in Ottawa while ensuring there are enough options available. 

• “This new framework of Neighbourhood zones will increase opportunities for housing to be built in existing neighbourhoods and increase housing choices in a way that 'fits' in existing neighbourhood," city staff said in the report.

Federal support: In early February, the federal government announced funding for the City of Ottawa to build more cheap units faster, reported CBC.

A condition of the $176.3 million deal is the city would make it easier for fourplexes to be built, said the Ottawa Citizen. The money was more than Ottawa requested, a welcome surprise after months of negotiations. 

• “This funding won’t solve the housing crisis on its own, but it is a giant leap forward for our city and allows Ottawa to take bold and immediate actions to mitigate the housing crisis, build more homes and build faster,” said Ottawa mayor Mark Sutcliffe. 

Concerns raised: Last fall some city councillors raised concerns, stating they had just increased the number of residential units allowed on one lot to three. Representatives in the suburbs, in particular, said their wards lacked the infrastructure needed to accommodate the increase, wrote CBC.

Further changes: Under the new proposed changes, minimum parking requirements would be axed, which will allow businesses and developers to choose their own parking numbers based on need. Maximum parking requirements will still apply to properties within 600 metres of existing and future rapid transit stations.

New surface level parking lots in the downtown core would be banned, per the zoning changes, and a minimum percentage of parking spaces would need to be EV-ready. Underground parking structures would be limited to ensure there was enough soil for trees and other greenery to grow, reported CBC. 

The new changes are being applauded by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association, wrote CTV. 

• “Upon initial review, the City of Ottawa is taking a proactive approach with these zoning proposals to address our crucial housing needs. It is clear that the city recognizes the need to overhaul our zoning to match its housing goals laid out in our Official Plan,” said Jason Burggraaf, Executive Director at GOHBA. 

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OTTAWA BY THE NUMBERS

✈️ 4 million: The number of passengers who flew out of the Ottawa Airport in 2023. [CTV]

👮🏼‍♀️ 81: The age of a man who was seriously injured in a Gatineau stabbing on Monday. [CTV]

🛌 46: The number of beds available at a new Cornerstone Housing for women’s shelter. [Ottawa Business Journal]

OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

👮🏼‍♀️ Ottawa Police have confirmed that 53-year-old Kevin Willington was playing poker when he was killed in his Manor Park home on Friday. Willington was involved in Ottawa’s badminton community and received the Community NCCP Coach Developer Award from the Coaches Association of Canada in 2023. [CTV]

🏊‍♀️ Yuri Tsay has been teaching aquafit classes at Sawmill Creek Community Centre and Pool located in Blossom Park for the last seven years. During that time, she’s developed a community group made up of participants ranging from 30 to 90-years-old. [CBC]

🍃 Bluewave-ai, a Kanata-based software company, has been leading a number of initiatives to make the planet a greener place to live. One of its latest developments has been electrifying school bus fleets to use more solar energy. [KNBA]

👮🏼‍♀️ Weeks after six Sri Lankin newcomers were murdered in their Barrhaven home, new data shows incidents like this in Ottawa are quite rare. The city ranks 20th on a list showing the rate of homicides per 100,000 population in Canadian cities between 2016 and 2022. [Capital Current]

🎳 A new bowling alley will take over the former Future Shop location at the Kanata Entertainment Centrum. Oakville-based Splitsville Entertainment said it will open a 26,000-square-foot bowling facility at 745 Kanata Ave. in the fall. [Ottawa Business Journal]

🎈 Maddy’s Gala was held at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata over the weekend in memory of Hannah Otto, a Barrhaven resident who suddenly passed away after a brain tumour in 2007. More than $1.2 million has been raised to date. [Ottawa Business Journal]

CITY HALL

Rapid development projects in the works for Carling corridor

In case you missed it, you can read part one of the Lookout’s coverage on the future of Carling here. 

What happened: Carling Avenue is in the midst of a massive transformation which will change the street landscape forever. What’s unique about it, however, is that Carling is considered a stroad — a type of thoroughfare that is a mix between a street and a road. 

Rapid growth: Over the next decade literally dozens of developments are either in the works or in the planning stage, bringing tens of thousands of new residents to the community. 

• Lookout ahead: From 2018 to 2046, Ottawa is projected to increase its population by 402,000 people, bringing the total number to almost 1,410,000, according to the city of Ottawa. 

Development plans: At the site of the former Canadian Tire which moved to Carlingwood, a massive wellness and social club has been planned, which would include nine fitness studios, a 25-metre pool, pickleball courts, a women's-only gym, and even a meditation lounge with its own Himalayan salt wall, according to CTV. 

RioCan has also pitched six buildings of up to 40 storeys on the site. They’re expected to hold 1,715 dwelling units, and would include a new public park and ground floor retail, according to CBC.

For sale: In July 2023, Carlingwood Mall was put on the market which could mean future development for the site, according to the Ottawa Business Journal. Bay ward councillor Theresa Kavanagh has confirmed the first part of the mall's parking lot has already been rezoned for future highrises.    

Looking back: The planning committee twice approved controversial plans to build two towers at 1081 Carling, according to CTV. Community members and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have raised concerns that the building's shadows would impact crop research at the Central Experimental Farm located across the street, reported Kitchissippi Times.  

• “The shadowing is a significant risk for AAFC as it impacts our research and jeopardizes our agricultural science and integrity. AAFC has done an internal assessment of the proposed towers’ development and the impacts/risks to the CEF,” a letter to the committee read according to Kitchissippi Times.

Westgate Shopping Centre is in the midst of a 20-year revitalization process. A 24-storey mixed-use building with retail on the ground floor has been built on the site. Over three phases, 1,146 rental units will be built alongside 8,230 square metres of commercial space, and a park in the middle of it all. Phase 2 will begin soon, and a portion of the mall may need to come down this fall to accommodate it, reported the Ottawa Business Journal. 

• “We intend to host a meeting in June with RioCan, the mall’s owner. I believe the second tower will (now) be located to the north of the current tower. At the June meeting, we will know if the mall is coming down much sooner, which could be as early as this year,” said river ward councillor Riley Brockington.

HOUSE OF THE WEEK

Located in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill Neighbourhood, this Victorian style, three-storey home at 328 Stewart Street is full of character and charm. With six bedrooms and five bathrooms, key features include decorative wood panelling, coffered ceilings, stained glass windows, and a large fireplace. 

With such a nice place, it obviously is a tad expensive. 

House of The Week is a home selected by the Lookout team and is not a paid advertisement. All ads are labelled as such. If you’re a realtor who wishes to feature your home in our newsletter, please contact our sales team.

GIG LISTINGS

Gunning & Cormier, Thursday 8 pm: Two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters performing their joint work. At Red Bird, 1165 Bank St. Tickets $55. 

Tracy K Trio, Friday 5:30 pm: Soulful harmonica player with a voice to match, blurring the lines between jazz and blues. At Montgomery Scotch Lounge, 750 Gladstone Ave. Tickets $15. 

Kenji Omae and Peter Hum Quartet, Friday 7 pm: “Maybe the most exciting tenor saxophonist to emerge in Canada in recent years" returns to Ottawa. At 10,000 Hours, 353 Montréal Rd. Tickets $25.

Sonder, Saturday 8 pm: Technical, ambient, creative progressive metallers perform their new album. At Live! on Elgin, 220 Elgin Street. Tickets $18 adv, $25 on door.

Loveover, Sunday 8 pm: Atlantic Canadians combining pop-punk hooks with self-reflective lyrics and contemporary hardcore. At Avant-Garde Bar, 135 Besserer St. Tickets $11.50.

Listings are provided by OttawaGigs.ca, the best place to discover live music in Ottawa. Check out Ottawagigs.ca for full listings across the city.

THE AGENDA

👮‍♂️ Ottawa Police say its operation centre in the downtown core will open in late May. Chief Eric Stubbs says its arrival will come with the ByWard Market’s bush season, adding that he wants it to be a space that feels like a community centre. [Ottawa Citizen]

🌷 The launch of Ottawa’s tulip festival is fast approaching and horticulture experts say you better visit sooner rather than later. Warm spring weather resulted in the buds beginning to bloom early, but stalled when colder temperatures returned. [CBC]

🏗️ A new “landmark building” has been proposed on Gladstone Avenue near the Museum of Nature. It could be up to 27 storeys tall, and would include public space with enhanced views. [CTV]  

🛥️ The LaSalle Causeway closure in Kingston could impact cruise ship business this summer. The bridge was damaged during routine construction on March 30. It’s unclear when the crossing will reopen, but a “phased approach” is underway. [CTV]

🏥 Three children were taken to hospital after a school bus collided with a transport truck in Russell Township on Monday. None of the injuries are listed as serious. The school bus, according to officials, was attempting to enter the highway when it collided with an eastbound transport truck. [Ottawa Citizen]

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

• Ottawa students cleaned up parks in the Capital on Monday as part of Earth Day activities. [CTV]

• The University of Ottawa has plans to build a new medical research facility. [CTV]

• All Saints High School in Kanata presented a passionate rendition of Mean Girls. [Ottawa Citizen]

• For St. Pius X High School’s performance, they “brought the whimsical into vibrant reality” of SpongeBob to life. [Ottawa Citizen]

• Want to have your announcement featured? Learn how here.

SPORTS

🏒 Since PWHL hockey has come to Ottawa, it’s caused quite a stir. In just one year young girls have been inspired to see themselves on the ice. [Ottawa Citizen]

🥅 The Ottawa Senators season is officially over. The team's general manager, Steve Staios, answered 10 questions on what fans can expect next year. [The Athletic]

🏀 The Ottawa Sports Council has revealed a new program called “Belonging Playbook” which intends to break down cultural, social and financial barriers, for recreational players. [Capital Current]

OTTAWA GUESSER

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