Ottawa ̶ The City’s Planning Committee today approved revised Official Plan language to clarify policies that have been the basis for ongoing appeals by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and the Building Owners and Managers Association.
All parties agree on the revised wording, which touches on policies that affect density, high-rise buildings, parking and secondary plans. The revisions add clarity but remain consistent with the original intent of the affected policies. If approved by Council, the City Solicitor would bring the changes to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal as part of appeals settlement.
Ottawa could soon have another venue for large outdoor concerts after the Committee approved a zoning amendment for Wesley Clover Park. The amendment adds theatre as a permitted use for the park, located north of Highway 417 and west of Moodie Drive. Capacity would be limited to 5,000 participants, but that limit could be lifted if a transportation study and traffic management plan are submitted to demonstrate the site can manage the added traffic of a larger event. The Committee also approved a short-term increase in capacity that would allow up to 25,000 participants for an event planned on June 29 and 30, 2019.
The Committee also approved two heritage permits. The first would see the façade of the heritage Medical Arts Building at 180 Metcalfe Street integrated as part of a new 27-storey building proposed immediately to the west. The applicant plans to demolish the rear and interior of the historic building, preserving the north, east and south façades. The remaining structure would be braced to help protect it until it could be integrated into the new building.
The second heritage permit would see a two-storey addition built at the rear of 119 York Street, in the Byward Market Heritage Conservation District. The addition would feature aged-red-brick cladding to match the historic building and would house retail and office space.
Items approved at today’s Planning Committee meeting will go to Council on Wednesday, October 10.
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