General Update/Rumour thread

[S-Man]

If a respectful builder can't get a 6-unit building built downtown (lowertown, I guess) without years of delays and appeals to the OMB by terrified neighbours, this city is fucked.

Let's all pay lip service to the class divide as we force residents stand in line for A: increasingly decrepit and hard-to-find rentals or B: high end condos.

I wonder what Marc Aubin, former prez of the Lowertown Community Association, felt about this same-height-as-everything-nearby development in LOWERTOWN.

If he opposed it because it was new and not already in existence, then that's how your next 4 years will go in Rideau-Vanier if he's elected. I'm curious - anyone know the answer?

[S-Man]

Just checked out that rendering - it looks great! It fits in, it doesn't 'loom' over anyone, it isn't garish, etc.

But I guess the problem is that it's destroying heritage air on an empty, heritagey lot? Or does its presence 'de-heritage' the heritageiness of nearby heritage structures?

From the planning rationale:

On May 27, 2011, the Committee of Adjustment approved the application for minor variances (with an amendment) and on June 22, 2011, the Decision was appealed by Ms. Patenaude (104 Guigues Avenue) and Ms. Shenstone (103 Guigues Avenue)

Scroll way down to hear the opposition at the 2010 OBHAC meeting:

[URL="http://ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/occ/2010/06-09/pec/1%20-%20ACS2010-ICS-PGM-0090%20-%20Application%20for%20New%20Consruction%20-%2090%20Guigues.htm"]

The comments are terrific. Even though the applicant is in accordance with all dictates of the heritage committee, and even though she re-submitted the application to appease neighbours, it was still opposed on the grounds of it being new.

[rocketphish]

:previous: That's a very well thought out, harmonious, and appealing looking in-fill. It's a shame more projects of this nature aren't being developed...

[ortelius]

Beer store on Somerset demolished. Does anyone know what's the latest for this site?

[McC]

another beer store, with almost the same hideous suburban layout of parking-focused storefronts and oversized parking lot.

[Baigle]

Anybody else heard that part of 200 Elgin will be turned into residential units?

[McC]

She'll always be "the Elgar" to me.

[Uhuniau]

She'll always be "the Elgar" to me.

Is there an Elgar t-shirt yet?

[1overcosc]

Earlier today, Kathleen Wynne tweeted:

China mission update: ZTE Canada plans to invest $17 million in an Ottawa research & development centre

Encouraging that a Chinese telecom company is doing this in Ottawa.

[Harley613]

I heard from staff that Minto bought the old LCBO site in the Glebe. That store will be closing December 3rd right before Lansdowne opens.

[rocketphish]

Supreme Court building needs major renovation

Jordan Press More from Jordan Press
Published on: November 12, 2014Last Updated: November 12, 2014 5:11 PM EST

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2014/11/ottawa-ont-april-02-2009-aerial-photo-of-supreme-cour.jpg?w=800

It is the highest seat of Canada’s justice system – and it is falling apart.

The Supreme Court of Canada building, which opened almost 75 years ago, faces a major rehabilitation project to update and repair crumbling infrastructure.

“The Supreme Court of Canada building is aging, and consequently there is a growing risk of infrastructure and building systems failure as a result of continuing property deterioration,” reads a recently released report from the court.

The court says it has started talks with Public Works and Government Services Canada on major upgrades to the building, along with smaller projects. According to the court’s planning report for the current fiscal year, there continues to be “regular investigative work” to find problems needing fixing in a building that is getting creaky.

Neither the court nor Public Works provided details of what infrastructure in the building is at risk of “failure.”

“While (the building) has been maintained adequately, it is reaching the point, after more than 70 years of service, where major interventions will be required to preserve it,” Public Works said in an emailed statement to the Citizen.

“Preliminary planning for the rehabilitation of the building is being developed to ensure that all costs are reasonable, necessary and provide the best value for taxpayers. The project will have to follow the standard approval process. No definitive options have been selected at the moment.”

The historic building was first erected in 1939. The art deco stone structure was supposed to have a flat roof to match similarly designed buildings, but the Liberal government said the courthouse had to match other buildings in the parliamentary precinct, and therefore needed a pitched, gothic roof.

The building received its first major upgrades in 1995. The $21.5-million renovation improved fire systems, renovated the third floor, made the building accessible, and replaced the copper roof and antiquated electrical and mechanical systems.

When the federal government started renovating the buildings on Parliament Hill, a billion-dollar project that will take years to complete, the Supreme Court building wasn’t included.

As the court tries to pull its building into the 21st century, it also is looking to do the same for operations that take place inside it. The court’s annual performance report says it has started testing a new internal system to store, sort and search through court documents, and plans to become more digital in the coming year.

The court also appears to be aware that its systems need more robust defences against cyber-attacks and, in the wake of the Oct. 22 shooting of Cpl Nathan Cirillo, a stronger police presence around the building.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the Court’s business and its high level profile as the court of last resort in Canada’s judicial branch of government, it is essential to continue enhancing the Court’s security program which has many components, such as physical security, information technology security and business continuity planning,” the report says.

jpress@ottawacitizen.com
Twitter.com/jpress

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/supreme-court-building-readies-for-major-renovation

[rocketphish]

Patio project made Elgin Street 'unwalkable,' critics tell city hall

Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: November 13, 2014, Last Updated: November 13, 2014 6:26 PM EST

The pilot project that allowed more Elgin Street bars and restaurants to have patios this summer should be scrapped because it cramped the narrow sidewalk, decreased accessibility and caused headaches for pedestrians, according to emails sent to the city.

More than two dozen people wrote to city hall between May and August to offer feedback, concerns and, in many cases, complaints about the patios, which had been allowed to encroach on the sidewalk of Elgin’s west side.

The city received an additional 14 emails that praised the experiment, which officially ends on Saturday (though some of the patios have already been removed).

After outdoor patio applications for Fresco Bistro Italiano and Woody’s Pub were approved in 2012, the city received four additional applications from Hooley’s Pub, Johnny Farina, The Standard and Town.

The proposed patios all fell within a 90-metre separation distance from a residential zone, so public input was sought.

At the time, in January 2013, respondents were concerned about increased safety hazards for pedestrians and sidewalk congestion, particularly near OC Transpo bus stops.

City staff recommended a 1.8-metre minimum of clear sidewalk.

But, it appears, some people still weren’t satisfied.

“I have seen many people forced onto the street to make their way past this section of sidewalk, creating safety concerns on this busy road. Those with strollers, in wheelchairs or scooters, or with other personal assistance devices are especially disadvantaged and inconvenienced,” one person wrote in a June 15 email.

“Elgin Street has become an unwalkable and dangerous route.”

Another person wrote that even without the new patios, sidewalks along Elgin are already crowded with telephone and light posts, traffic signs, garbage and recycling receptacles, newspaper boxes, fire hydrants, sandwich boards, bike racks and bus stops.

“It’s ironic that one of the reasons given to approve the pilot project in the first place was to encourage the liveliness of the street, but the patios, as currently designed, actually discourage pedestrian traffic,” wrote a resident in an Aug. 17 email.

One person who wrote noted that four of the patios failed to meet the 1.8-metre minimum clear sidewalk standard.

Derrick Moodie, the city bureaucrat in charge of the Elgin patio file, responded on May 15 to that complaint to say the city had inspected the four patios and concurred they were not meeting the minimum required. “We will be following up with these establishments to ensure compliance,” Moodie wrote.

A letter writer who identified themselves as a Centretown resident, customer and pedestrian said they were “stunned” the project was allowed to proceed in the first place because using up limited sidewalk space to install a “cramped patio is plain stupid.”

“Elgin Street is not Preston Street. It should be obvious, but I’ll point out that Preston Street itself is wider, the sidewalks are wider, it’s not as crowded, and it doesn’t have the same concentration of elderly and disabled folks,” the person wrote in a July 17 email.

Two respondents said the patios belong in the parking lane, not on the sidewalk.

All of the emails were sent to a special address set up to collect feedback for the Elgin patio pilot, though some senders also directed their concerns to Mayor Jim Watson and Somerset Coun. Diane Holmes.

Released to the Citizen after a freedom-of-information request, none contains the sender’s name or other personal information.

Those in favour of the new patios said they were a nice addition to the streetscape.

“It gives the street a wonderful, lively atmosphere that I believe makes it more inviting, especially at lunch and happy hour,” said one email from June 11.

The new patios do create some “tight spots” during rush hours, but that congestion could be managed by moving newspaper boxes or bus stops, suggested another person in a May 20 email.

“I believe the pros undoubtedly outweigh the cons,” they wrote.

A third person wrote to say: “At first I thought they’d take over the sidewalk, but they don’t disrupt them at all and it’s glorious to sit outside and enjoy a drink or dish.”

Business owners agree the patios added some much-needed energy to Elgin Street and appear committed to making the project work for all involved, including pedestrians.

“It’s making it a little bit more of a destination spot for people to come to Elgin Street, so the congestion might also be from a higher volume of people,” said Lori Wojcik, co-owner of Town restaurant.

The patio seats just six people, but it gives the restaurant — which has a narrow frontage — great street presence, and creates a few extra spots for walk-in diners, Wojcik said.

“It is not inexpensive to have rent on Elgin Street, so any way we can encourage more revenue is great,” she added.

Down the street, at Johnny Farina, the addition of a new patio near the corner of Elgin and Lisgar streets prompted owner Dino Iafelice to hire five more staff.

But a hydro pole and bus stop adjacent to the patio, combined with people lined up for the takeout lunch counter, created some sidewalk congestion, and prompted some of the complaints to the city.

Iafelice told the Citizen he offered to recess his patio to allow more room for pedestrians and added that he understands the concerns about sidewalk congestion.

“I get it. I’m at a busy corner, but I’m not busy 14 hours a day. I’m busy for 45 minutes at lunch and other than that, the (minimum) clearance is there,” he said.

He added that he asked the city to shift the bus stop slightly south to address some concerns, which later happened.

In addition to the public comments already received, city staff is collecting feedback from patio operators and neighbouring residents that will be incorporated into a staff report to go before the transportation committee in 2015.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com
Twitter.com/mpearson78

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/patio-project-made-elgin-street-unwalkable-critics-tell-city-hall

[1overcosc]

I'd like to see Elgin Street be reconstructed the way Princess Street was in downtown Kingston to resolve this problem.

Behold my upcoming ASCII art!
Legend:
S = Sidewalk
P = Parking
T = Traffic Lane

Previously, Princess was just like Elgin--two traffic lanes, two parking lanes:
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S

But it's being slowly reconstructed to this (of which 4 blocks are finished, 5 to be done later this decade):
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S

Basically, the lane between the sidewalk and the traffic lanes is a special space that alternates between parking and a sidewalk bump out. Each segment of the bump out sidewalk is used to either:
-Store street furniture, garbages, planters, etc. (this allows the inner sidewalk to be completely clear of this stuff)
-Act as a pedestrian bypass of a patio that takes up the inner sidewalk in that area
In the winter, the patios & street furniture are removed, and the sidewalk bump outs are used as snow dumps.

One parking space on each block is reserved for deliveries. The rest are pay-to-display street parking.

It's a great system and it balances the needs of everyone well.

[phil235]

I'd like to see Elgin Street be reconstructed the way Princess Street was in downtown Kingston to resolve this problem.

Behold my upcoming ASCII art!
Legend:
S = Sidewalk
P = Parking
T = Traffic Lane

Previously, Princess was just like Elgin--two traffic lanes, two parking lanes:
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S

But it's being slowly reconstructed to this (of which 4 blocks are finished, 5 to be done later this decade):
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S

Basically, the lane between the sidewalk and the traffic lanes is a special space that alternates between parking and a sidewalk bump out. Each segment of the bump out sidewalk is used to either:
-Store street furniture, garbages, planters, etc. (this allows the inner sidewalk to be completely clear of this stuff)
-Act as a pedestrian bypass of a patio that takes up the inner sidewalk in that area
In the winter, the patios & street furniture are removed, and the sidewalk bump outs are used as snow dumps.

One parking space on each block is reserved for deliveries. The rest are pay-to-display street parking.

It's a great system and it balances the needs of everyone well.

I think it's basically a no-brainer to do Elgin that way when it is reconstructed. If they could do something similar on Bank, surely it would work on Elgin.

[Arcologist]

I'd like to see Elgin Street be reconstructed the way Princess Street was in downtown Kingston to resolve this problem.

Behold my upcoming ASCII art!
Legend:
S = Sidewalk
P = Parking
T = Traffic Lane

Previously, Princess was just like Elgin--two traffic lanes, two parking lanes:
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S
S P T T P S

But it's being slowly reconstructed to this (of which 4 blocks are finished, 5 to be done later this decade):
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S
S P T T P S
S S T T S S

Basically, the lane between the sidewalk and the traffic lanes is a special space that alternates between parking and a sidewalk bump out. Each segment of the bump out sidewalk is used to either:
-Store street furniture, garbages, planters, etc. (this allows the inner sidewalk to be completely clear of this stuff)
-Act as a pedestrian bypass of a patio that takes up the inner sidewalk in that area
In the winter, the patios & street furniture are removed, and the sidewalk bump outs are used as snow dumps.

One parking space on each block is reserved for deliveries. The rest are pay-to-display street parking.

It's a great system and it balances the needs of everyone well.

Love the idea, thanks for the post!

[Catenary]

Behold my upcoming ASCII art!
Legend:
S = Sidewalk
P = Parking
T = Traffic Lane


You may be interested in Streetmix.

http://www.streetmix.net/

[rocketphish]

Referenced elsewhere, but here's the whole article:


Breaking ground: Starting condo construction 'a major milestone for buyers'

Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: November 14, 2014, Last Updated: November 14, 2014 10:31 AM EST

The mayor might be on hand. There will almost certainly be a honking big steam shovel. Add balloons, photo ops and razzmatazz galore, and groundbreaking ceremonies for a new condo practically rival the launch of an election campaign.

“Groundbreaking is huge for us, and it’s a major milestone for buyers because now they know their home is being built,” says Kevin Harper, highrise development manager at Minto Communities. This year, the company has broken ground for both its eight-storey Beechwood project in New Edinburgh and the glittering 25-storey UpperWest tower being built with Canderel in Westboro.

Significant as it is, though, groundbreaking is just the first stage of the long, complex construction process that ultimately yields a shiny new condo building, a place that a growing number of Canadians, attracted by price and convenience and location, are calling home.

We have a look at that process, starting with a bit of pre-construction backstory.

Gearing up

This pre-groundbreaking stage encompasses everything from land acquisition and building design to obtaining municipal approvals, orchestrating a marketing campaign and selling enough units — generally around 60 per cent of the building — so that financiers will advance the money needed to start construction.

This is also typically the stage when projects are put on hold or have to be redesigned because sales are too low. That’s happened with a few projects in Ottawa over the past couple of years, thanks to a saturated condo market and sluggish housing sales generally. When buildings are put on hold, buyers may opt for a refund of their deposit or put it toward a unit when the building is eventually constructed.

Once a builder like Minto has achieved sufficient sales momentum on a project, working drawings are prepared. These exhaustively detailed documents guide construction by indicating exactly where every wall, every kitchen cabinet, every light fixture will be placed.

In the case of UpperWest, it took roughly eight months and cost $1 million to prepare those drawings.

Digging deep

You know this stage. Boards go up around the site, big trucks rumble in and out for months on end, and progress seems to move at a snail’s pace. That’s because it takes a long, long time to dig the site and pour the building’s base and parking garage.

In the case of Claridge’s 45-storey Icon in Little Italy, where construction starts this December, it will take one year to dig and another to bring it up to grade.

“The parking garage is nine storeys,” says Claridge vice-president Shawn Malhotra. “It’s pretty much the deepest hole you’ll find in Ottawa. We have to go deep because the footprint of the building is quite small, so we have to go down for parking space.”

Malhotra says the building should be ready for occupancy by late 2018.

And up she rises

If it takes a year or more to build below ground, the next stage seems to move at lightning speed. To see the concrete skeleton of a condo rise one storey a week is standard unless the building has multiple setbacks and other special features. Cladding, windows and interior work, of course, take longer.

While just one trade at a time typically works in a wood-framed home, a condo site crawls with workers, according to Lloyd Kilgore, Minto’s director of internal services.

“It’s hectic. The coordination of all those trades is very important. You could have concrete being poured in one corner and electricians working in another and someone putting in pipe somewhere else. Once they get going, they’re like worker ants, one team spreading across the floor, then another spreading across it.”

A project schedule — 1,174 lines of tightly scripted activities in the case of UpperWest — guides the construction team through every stage.

Because electrical, ductwork and other systems may be encased in the concrete floor, builders insist that buyers request design changes well in advance of concrete being poured. It may seem a simple thing to move a thermostat from one wall to another, for example, but if it’s linked to a concrete-encased wire, it’s not so easy.

“If a change is made at groundbreaking, it’s easier to shuffle,” says Rodney Wilts of Windmill Development Group. The company is currently building the Cathedral Hill tower at Sparks Street and Bronson Avenue and the smaller Eddy on Wellington Street West in Hintonburg, with occupancy dates expected for both in early 2015.

Wilts adds that if a change is requested later in the construction process, “anything can be done, but it depends on how much the buyer wants to spend.”

Availability of materials also dictates early design decisions by buyers. Minto, for example, needs to know roughly three months in advance of installation about upgrades such as hardwood and floor tile.

Not ones to waste time or money (construction costs alone for UpperWest are a staggering $45 million, according to Minto), builders enclose condos as quickly as possible. Glazing, for example, can be installed on lower floors while concrete is being poured four or five storeys above.

Enclosing also helps keep winter at bay, a major consideration when heating costs can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to project costs if construction takes longer than anticipated. With units already sold and prices established, a builder has to swallow that extra cost.

Moving day

Strictly regulated by Tarion, which administers the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, builders issue interim and final occupancy dates as a project proceeds. Wilts warns that interim occupancy dates issued early in the process shouldn’t be taken as “written in stone.” However, exceeding some of the later occupancy dates puts a builder at risk of financial penalties and other repercussions.

Builders generally try to have amenities such as fitness rooms ready for the first occupants, although rooftop terraces, for example, may not be completed if the building is still under construction.

Richcraft, which is currently building the 18-storey Bowery Condominiums and Lofts on Bay Street, is like other builders in dedicating one elevator to tradespeople when construction is ongoing but buyers have already moved in. Your floor will be finished when you move in, says Richcraft’s Shawn Bellman, but “no matter what, (buyers) are in a construction zone.” On the other hand, they’ll have paid a lower, pre-construction price for their units.

Builders also schedule owner move-ins strictly so as to avoid chaos.

In the end, buyers hopefully get what they envisioned when they signed on the dotted line, and the builder is on to the next project.

The process can be long. By the time it’s finished in the fall of 2016, UpperWest, for example, will have taken about five and a half years from land acquisition to completion. Still, says Kilgore, a finished building “is nice to see: the amount of work that went into it and the number of people who worked on it.”

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/condos/breaking-ground-starting-condo-construction-a-major-milestone-for-buyers

[ServiceGuy]

I haven't seen ASCII art for a long while. Great job there 1over...

[Boxster]

COOL Wiki page on Ottawa building heights...including future developments.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Ottawa%E2%80%93Gatineau

[J.OT13]

COOL Wiki page on Ottawa building heights...including future developments.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Ottawa%E2%80%93Gatineau

Thank Harley:

This page is an embarrassment, the worst 'List of Tallest' I've found. I took it upon myself to start updating it. I have started updating most of the projects over 20 stories. I need help to get some new pics and update the tallest rank. Let me know if you guys are interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_tallest_buildings_in_Ottawa%E2%80%93Gatineau

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=6810641#post6810641

[waterloowarrior]

Lobbyist registry shows Canderel met with city officials about 150-174 Rideau

[c_speed3108]

Lobbyist registry shows Canderel met with city officials about 150-174 Rideau


That address range spans 2 city blocks (crossing Dalhousie)

[kevinbottawa]

That address range spans 2 city blocks (crossing Dalhousie)

It would be nice for Rideau to become a proper shopping street like Robson Street or Bloor. Major retailers with flagship stores, great architecture, great walking experience. The only proper stores on those two blocks are NRML and Top of the World and even then they could probably find a home in the market.

[Acajack]

It would be nice for Rideau to become a proper shopping street like Robson Street or Bloor. Major retailers with flagship stores, great architecture, great walking experience. The only proper stores on those two blocks are NRML and Top of the World and even then they could probably find a home in the market.

We were down on Rideau over the weekend and my kids actually asked me if there was a special zoning rule in place to concentrate all of the city's tattoo parlours there!

[MountainView]

The Hilton Garden Inn's extension is nearing completion. Looks like the new addition is almost doubling its capacity. Perhaps the EY Centre help boost occupancy.

http://i.imgur.com/LlUWY56.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kLakXCC.jpg?1

I believe this will be a Comfort Inn (correct me if incorrect) at Hunt Club and Uplands. It's essentially in the parking lot of the current Holiday Inn Express and directly beside the Royal Oak bar. The new Lonestar, A&W, and strip plaza (with a Desjardins opening early 2015) is almost complete as well.

http://i.imgur.com/ou46H1n.jpg

Sorry for the poor quality phone camera photos.
http://i.imgur.com/9KP3x2o.jpg

[rocketphish]

The value of building beauty into our city

Joanne Chianello, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: November 20, 2014, Last Updated: November 20, 2014 2:56 PM EST

When city council agreed to sink another $4.65 million into the botched Airport Parkway pedestrian bridge almost a year ago, everyone was frustrated over the lost time and money that was spent on this beleaguered project.

Third-party reviews had been ordered, court action taken, blame apportioned. Of all the suggestions made about how to avoid the problems that plagued the Airport Parkway bridge — which included a major design flaw — Mayor Jim Watson’s solution was the most alarming.

The mayor called for building “basic” bridges in the future.

“I don’t want all the bells and whistles, towers and stylized Os,” Watson said at the time, referring to the city’s “O” logo, which is incorporated into the bridge’s 30-metre tower. “Let’s get something basic because we’re in times of restraint.”

Thankfully, others held their ground (including deputy city manager Nancy Schepers and River ward Coun. Maria McRae), arguing for a bridge that served as an iconic gateway for those entering the city from the airport.

These days, Watson says he regrets those comments. In a rare admission, the mayor said this week he “was wrong” in calling for a utilitarian structure.

“I see it now, and I see pictures of it lit up, I was wrong to dismiss and belittle” the fact that it wasn’t “just a plain-Jane bridge,” Watson told reporters. “I think it’s going to to be a great welcoming feature.”

There’s an unfortunate knee-jerk reaction that occurs when it comes to spending on public projects: Anything that isn’t the most basic structure is attacked for being a waste of taxpayer money. It’s an all-too-common mistake to think that good design needs to cost much more than a drab plan.

A case in point? With a proper design by Delcan, the years-delayed Airport Parkway bridge was completed in eight months and on budget.

“The real problem with that bridge wasn’t that it was extravagant,” says Allan Teramura, regional director for eastern Ontario for the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. “There was some kind of a technical issue.”

Teramura says that while bridges are primarily engineering structures, if they are designed “in a way that’s engaging and interesting as well as solving a technical problem, then it is something that makes a contribution to our city’s collective identity.”

Designed properly, pieces of city infrastructure can be more than just functional — they can be structures with which people want to engage. Take the Corktown Bridge: residents would still use the pedestrian span over the Rideau Canal if it weren’t such an elegant structure, but it’s unlikely they’d attach hundreds of “love locks” as a symbol of undying affection to an ugly bridge.

“Think of the Bank Street Bridge,” says Teramura. “Anyone passing under it at night, you get a little sense of, ‘It’s good to be alive in Ottawa.’ What is that worth?”

Design and taste are not synonyms, and indeed not everyone will like the new Airport Parkway bridge. In fact, Teramura himself isn’t a huge fan, as he “doesn’t like it when people use logos from stationery on buildings,” referring to that stylized “O” that Watson criticized last year.

But unanimous approval isn’t really the point of good design.

“It’s clear that someone has spent some time and is trying to make an iconic structure there, which is appropriate considering its location on the parkway,” says Teramura. “You’re arriving into Ottawa and there should be a landmark that you pass under if you’re going to put a bridge over that road.”

We need to look at all of our public projects through the lens of good design, and there are encouraging signs Ottawa is moving in that direction. The newly named Vimy Memorial Bridge is a welcome addition to the south end of the city. The mayor was so overwhelmed by the sight of it at last summer’s opening, he got a little carried away and referred to it as “our version of the Eiffel Tower.” However, the utilitarian pedestrian bridge over Highway 417 connecting the train station to the Ottawa Stadium leaves much to be desired.

Whether it’s a bridge or a library or even a Zamboni garage, we have to look at and use public infrastructure f0r decades, even centuries. When you consider the design aesthetics that went into the Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant or the Aberdeen Pavilion, it’s clear there was a time that we used to care about making public structures beautiful. And we need to do so again.

jchianello@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/jchianello

http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/1120-col-chianello

[Harley613]

The structure of the bridge is neat but the green inlay makes it look dated and cheap in my opinion.

[Catenary]

The structure of the bridge is neat but the green inlay makes it look dated and cheap in my opinion.

Since the new bridge span lacks the green line that the ramps on either side do, it wouldn't surprise me to see them removed in the future. The green line would have looked better if it actually spanned the bridge.

[rocketphish]

Lowertown landlord ordered to complete work, pay city $140,000

Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: November 21, 2014, Last Updated: November 21, 2014 6:53 PM EST

The City of Ottawa has won a legal victory over Claude Lauzon, owner of a crumbling former schoolhouse in Lowertown.

Lauzon must now complete work to stabilize and protect the west and south walls and foundations of the building at 287 Cumberland St. and to demolish the remaining parts of the structure, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed in a Nov. 13 ruling. He also must secure the remainder of the site and remove barricades to enable the opening of roads and pedestrian sidewalks.

The court ordered that Lauzon carry out the work under the direction of structural engineer John Cooke and complete the demolition by Dec. 23.

Court has also ordered Lauzon to pay the city $140,000 in legal costs and expenses incurred in relation to the various orders made by the city’s chief building official’s office in regards to the building.

After the work is completed, traffic lanes that are presently barricaded will be reopened. However, the city says there will be a need for hoarding and protection along the north Murray Street sidewalk as the cage protecting the preserved walls will encroach into the sidewalk area. The encroachment will remain until the site is redeveloped.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com
Twitter.com/mpearson78

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/lowertown-landlord-ordered-to-complete-work-pay-city-140000

[Boxster]

Lowertown landlord ordered to complete work, pay city $140,000

Matthew Pearson, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: November 21, 2014, Last Updated: November 21, 2014 6:53 PM EST

The City of Ottawa has won a legal victory over Claude Lauzon, owner of a crumbling former schoolhouse in Lowertown.

Lauzon must now complete work to stabilize and protect the west and south walls and foundations of the building at 287 Cumberland St. and to demolish the remaining parts of the structure, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed in a Nov. 13 ruling. He also must secure the remainder of the site and remove barricades to enable the opening of roads and pedestrian sidewalks.

The court ordered that Lauzon carry out the work under the direction of structural engineer John Cooke and complete the demolition by Dec. 23.

Court has also ordered Lauzon to pay the city $140,000 in legal costs and expenses incurred in relation to the various orders made by the city’s chief building official’s office in regards to the building.

After the work is completed, traffic lanes that are presently barricaded will be reopened. However, the city says there will be a need for hoarding and protection along the north Murray Street sidewalk as the cage protecting the preserved walls will encroach into the sidewalk area. The encroachment will remain until the site is redeveloped.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com
Twitter.com/mpearson78

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/lowertown-landlord-ordered-to-complete-work-pay-city-140000

Great news! Now if Lauzon can only clean up some of his other properties.

[RTWAP]

But the necessary land is under federal control. The new hospital will be the bone thrown to Ottawa for voting Tory.

Likely also a wedge issue as it is doubtful that the NDP would support loosing the green space. No idea where the Grits would sit on this - unless it was named the Harper or the Baird rather than the Civic.

"Going to get a colonoscopy at the Harper" has a certain ring to it.

[waterloowarrior]

Another Ottawa Beer Store article...This one for the location at 515 Somerset Street (https://www.google.ca/maps/preview#!data=!1m4!1m3!1d3527!2d-75.701289!3d45.4134707!4m34!2m11!1m10!1s0x0%3A0xaaab0579b4ee631a!3m8!1m3!1d359537!2d-75.800257!3d45.2501565!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5m21!1m20!1sBeer+Store+Ottawa+Somerset+Street!4m8!1m3!1d359537!2d-75.800257!3d45.2501565!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!10b1!17b1!26m3!1e12!1e13!1e3!27m3!1sBeer+Store!2sSomerset+St+W%2C+Ottawa%2C+ON!3s0x4cce044d77cf0f9b%3A0x3f506c5aae2c741b) across from Dundonald Park.

Ottawa Community News (http://www.ottawacommunitynews.com/news-story/4311043-centretown-beer-store-staying-in-one-storey-redevelopment/) is reporting that...the Beer Store on Somerset West will likely remain in its 1-story form. Though it will occupy some (if not all) of the current parking lot that is currently there now.



Thomas McVeigh, president of the Centretown Citizens Community Association, thinks that location is not being used to its full potential, and should ideally be a mixed use residential building around 4-stories.


approved at the OMB
http://www.omb.gov.on.ca/e-decisions/pl140346-Nov-12-2014.pdf

[harls]

What is the project behind Trailhead in Westboro (with the two huge cranes?)

Last weekend I was at the Gear Garage store on Madison..there was a site proposal sign in the window for a condo development. I think utit wasn't too large...can't remember the exact amount of floors.

[rocketphish]

What is the project behind Trailhead in Westboro (with the two huge cranes?)

Last weekend I was at the Gear Garage store on Madison..there was a site proposal sign in the window for a condo development. I think utit wasn't too large...can't remember the exact amount of floors.

The two cranes beside Trailhead belong to Westboro Connection:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=168551

The Expedition Shoppe's Gear Garage will be demolished to make way for this Domicile project:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=213051

[harls]

Cool, thanks!

[Urbanarchit]

Does anyone know what's happening with the building at Elgin and Gladstone? It's empty and there's construction, but I don't remember if it was just a rumour that it was going to be replaced with a condo building or something.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/15926911745_7e060525c3_b.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheldef/15926911745/)
Elgin/Gladstone (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheldef/15926911745/) by Shel DeF (http://www.flickr.com/sheldef) on Flickr

[Harley613]

Whoah...El Camino is in that building and it's the hottest restaurant in the city right now...When you say 'empty' surely you mean the top floor, right?

[Urbanarchit]

Whoah...El Camino is in that building and it's the hottest restaurant in the city right now...When you say 'empty' surely you mean the top floor, right?

Nope, they were starting with the stores in the pit. I didn't stay on that side of Elgin to look in or ask the workers, but several months ago I think I heard that El Camino was moving to the opposite corner where the cornerstore was. It looks like there was caution tape across the steps though.

[waterloowarrior]

The salon on the top floor moved to MacLaren and the top floor is currently being listed for lease
http://ottawacitizen.com/life/fashion-beauty/the-loft-urban-salon-is-at-your-service
http://www.primecorp.ca/listings/retail/380-elgin

[Urbanarchit]

The salon on the top floor moved to MacLaren and the top floor is currently being listed for lease
http://ottawacitizen.com/life/fashion-beauty/the-loft-urban-salon-is-at-your-service
http://www.primecorp.ca/listings/retail/380-elgin

Ah, so no demolition then? I guess they were just renovating.

[Uhuniau]

Does anyone know what's happening with the building at Elgin and Gladstone? It's empty and there's construction, but I don't remember if it was just a rumour that it was going to be replaced with a condo building or something.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/15926911745_7e060525c3_b.jpg (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheldef/15926911745/)
Elgin/Gladstone (https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheldef/15926911745/) by Shel DeF (http://www.flickr.com/sheldef) on Flickr

That property has been a revolving door for as long as I can remember.

[kwoldtimer]

That property has been a revolving door for as long as I can remember.

I was going to ask how Ottawa's "hottest restaurant" could be in such a "not hottest" location?

[Acajack]

I was going to ask how Ottawa's "hottest restaurant" could be in such a "not hottest" location?

It's actually a really good location but for some reason that building has always seemed to be jinxed. It's been like that for decades.

[Harley613]

I was going to ask how Ottawa's "hottest restaurant" could be in such a "not hottest" location?

I know, it's very surprising. El Camino has been in the Urbanspoon 'Talk of the Town' since it opened and it's ALWAYS busy.

[m0nkyman]

It's actually a really good location but for some reason that building has always seemed to be jinxed. It's been like that for decades.

Perhaps not having anything street level might be the problem? Stairs up, stairs down isn't a recipe for success.

[OTSkyline]

I walk by there all the time El Camino IS still open and very much busy. The few times I've tried to go there there was always a 1.5-2h wait for a table..

But I do agree a complete revamp or new building would be well warranted in this spot.

[J.OT13]

Weird that Elgin (south of Nepean Street) is the only major urban main street that hasn't seen any new construction. Bank, Richmond, Wellington West, Beechwood, Preston, Rideau... The've all seen significant redevelopment, but nothing on Elgin.

[kevinbottawa]

Weird that Elgin (south of Nepean Street) is the only major urban main street that hasn't seen any new construction. Bank, Richmond, Wellington West, Beechwood, Preston, Rideau... The've all seen significant redevelopment, but nothing on Elgin.

I was thinking the same thing the other day when I was driving down Elgin.

[teej1984]

I like that it has maintained its vibe... not everything needs to be shiny and new! :D

[Urbanarchit]

I've thought about this as well. I think the reason we don't see anything proposed for Elgin has to do with it being an established commercial strip, one that is arguably the most consistent and successful in terms of street-walls and businesses lining it. While all the buildings are lowrises, save for one, there is only one building that has a parking lot (TD Bank). In order to build, developers would have to evict popular businesses and demolish small buildings on small lots in order to build something that would be no taller than six stories.

These new buildings wouldn't add much in terms of vibrancy to the street, as Elgin is already a very vibrant restaurant row. Not to mention there are some sizable (parking) lots within a few blocks that would be cheaper to developer (no demolition) and are perfect for taller buildings to absorb this growth. As well, these other properties would be less controversial than Elgin.

The other main streets on the other hand are not in such a favourable position. Rideau, Bank, Somerset-Wellington-Richmond, Main are not as developed as Elgin. There are a lot of large, vacant lots creating gaps along the street in neighbourhoods where developers probably feel they stand a better chance of selling units (well, not Somerset), and if storefronts are occupied they're not necessary the sort of businesses that make an area exciting. Kitchissippi does not have the density Centretown has, yet being so desirable developers can create more housing for people interested in living there. As well, they wouldn't have to demolish much other than a small automechanic building or gas station. Bank Street has larger lots on or near enough that a new building would fill gaps with stores and more people, making it much more vibrant (the condos building in the last 5 years have really helped to transform the dingy strip).

That doesn't mean we won't see something being built on Elgin, as we do have some spots that could be demolished to make way for something else. But considering there are better options elsewhere and Elgin is already great, no need to mess with what works. I'm fine with a lowrise street like Elgin, and you wouldn't want to anger Knox Church again. ;)

[Harley613]

There are two things I'd like to see on Elgin more than any others.

1. I'd like to see this monstrosity of a podium reclad and converted to a row of shops. How the hell hasn't that been done yet?!?
http://i.imgur.com/QBNJD1R.jpg

2. I'd like the city to build a new parking garage, preferably underground, and preferably under this park. Calgary has been digging city lots deep under parks for decades, and I can't think of a better place to put a garage. Parking anywhere near Elgin in the evening is hell.
http://i.imgur.com/ynvN76Z.jpg

[Urbanarchit]

2. I'd like the city to build a new parking garage, preferably underground, and preferably under this park. Calgary has been digging city lots deep under parks for decades, and I can't think of a better place to put a garage. Parking anywhere near Elgin in the evening is hell.
http://i.imgur.com/ynvN76Z.jpg

I agree with number one, but not ever for number two. Minto is a beautiful, century old park. Digging it up to build more parking for suburban commuters is terrible. Need a bit of parking, ask for something in a nearby condo building, but not under a park. There are mature trees, monuments and statues, and it's already a successful place for people living or visiting the area. To dig that up for a short-sighted garage would ruin something that works great as it is. Not to mention you'd have to build the entrance and exit to the garage, which would be an ugly structure occupying land on the park.

If people want to drive here, they can face the parking problems. Frankly, the city should be widening the sidewalks and put a bike lane in here. It would take away from cars, but with the people in all the new condos in the area (and the cyclists) I believe Elgin would still be very successful despite no parking.

However, while I'm not one open to accommodating motorists, there is a giant surface parking lot that could be redeveloped into underground parking (and residences): right here. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.4147803,-75.6883177,154a,20y,41.72t/data=!3m1!1e3)

[drawarc]

Walked by Quality Inn hotel at Rideau and King Edward Wednesday evening, signage was missing and Don Cherry's restuarant was closed, usually its open. Is hotel closing or being renovated?

[Proof Sheet]

I heard that the U of Ottawa has bought it and it will be student housing...or maybe somebody else bought it but it is definately going to be a student residence.

Walked by Quality Inn hotel at Rideau and King Edward Wednesday evening, signage was missing and Don Cherry's restuarant was closed, usually its open. Is hotel closing or being renovated?

[Boxster]

I heard that the U of Ottawa has bought it and it will be student housing...or maybe somebody else bought it but it is definately going to be a student residence.

That is closer to the market bars that the University...... :cheers:

[rocketphish]

Walked by Quality Inn hotel at Rideau and King Edward Wednesday evening, signage was missing and Don Cherry's restuarant was closed, usually its open. Is hotel closing or being renovated?

It changed hands on Dec. 1, and they are fast-tracking a new project. Go back to post #4051 (http://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6742256&postcount=4051) then follow the thread.

[MoreTrains]

There are two things I'd like to see on Elgin more than any others.

1. I'd like to see this monstrosity of a podium reclad and converted to a row of shops. How the hell hasn't that been done yet?!?
http://i.imgur.com/QBNJD1R.jpg

I agree, but Is that not where McLarens pub is? It has the minimum number of shops require :haha:
I am sure that the better deal would be to rework the entire level, more than just recladding. Perhaps a mini-mall? But alas, IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN, this is a Government of Canada Building and I am sure that McLarens is lucky to even exist in that building. I really dislike most GoC buildings because they generally add height (which is good), but no access to any amenities and are closed after 3pm and weekends. Kind of a dead structure.

I agree with number one, but not ever for number two. Minto is a beautiful, century old park. Digging it up to build more parking for suburban commuters is terrible. Need a bit of parking, ask for something in a nearby condo building, but not under a park. There are mature trees, monuments and statues, and it's already a successful place for people living or visiting the area. To dig that up for a short-sighted garage would ruin something that works great as it is. Not to mention you'd have to build the entrance and exit to the garage, which would be an ugly structure occupying land on the park.

If people want to drive here, they can face the parking problems. Frankly, the city should be widening the sidewalks and put a bike lane in here. It would take away from cars, but with the people in all the new condos in the area (and the cyclists) I believe Elgin would still be very successful despite no parking.

However, while I'm not one open to accommodating motorists, there is a giant surface parking lot that could be redeveloped into underground parking (and residences): right here. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.4147803,-75.6883177,154a,20y,41.72t/data=!3m1!1e3)

That is probably the most epic alternative I have seen in a while. Literally across the street from the park and pretty much useless to anybody except the owners of the shops that back onto it.

[1overcosc]

The federal building at Rideau & King Edward (NE corner) is just as bad. It used to have shops at ground level but they closed pretty recently.

I'd like to see the federal government demolish it, replace it with something taller, with the LCBO across the street being relocated to its lobby. The LCBO could then sell off its current site for redevelopment.

[Boxster]

The federal building at Rideau & King Edward (NE corner) is just as bad. It used to have shops at ground level but they closed pretty recently.

I'd like to see the federal government demolish it, replace it with something taller, with the LCBO across the street being relocated to its lobby. The LCBO could then sell off its current site for redevelopment.

The LCBO should remain on the west side of King Edward for easy access from Market area. No one wants to cross the King Edward HIGHWAY.

[1overcosc]

Uhh.. crossing the intersection at Rideau & King Edward isn't that bad. It's actually one of the most pedestrian friendly crossings on Rideau because the lights change frequently which cuts down on crosswalk wait times. Whereas at other Rideau intersections the lights heavily favour Rideau Street through traffic which makes getting across Rideau Street a bitch for pedestrians. It's the same deal with respect to Laurier & King Edward vs. the other Laurier intersections.

Source: Personal experience from living on Laurier East and walking through these intersections practically every day.

[drawarc]

I heard that the U of Ottawa has bought it and it will be student housing...or maybe somebody else bought it but it is definately going to be a student residence.

It changed hands on Dec. 1, and they are
fast-tracking a new project. Go back to post #4051 (http://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6742256&postcount=4051) then follow the thread.

Ok thanks.

[rocketphish]

Guaranteed prices for public projects cost billions extra, auditor finds

David Reevely, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: December 9, 2014, Last Updated: December 9, 2014 7:28 PM EST

Ontarians are paying nearly a third extra for big projects such as Ottawa’s light-rail system, thanks to complicated financing deals designed to keep them from getting even further out of hand.

The premium amounts to $8 billion on 75 projects worth about $26 billion to start with, according to auditor general Bonnie Lysyk. Whether this is a good deal depends on whether you trust the provincial government’s assessment of the financial risks involved in digging a new subway tunnel or constructing a new hospital, and she herself isn’t sure.

The projects are all being built under “alternative financing and procurement” arrangements, also called “public-private partnerships.” They’re all the rage among government people whose job it is to build really big things.

The details vary, but the idea is that if your contractor is forced to borrow some of the money for a construction project, it’ll have to answer to a bank that wants its loan repaid, not just a government with a bottomless well of tax dollars to draw on.

If everything goes well, the bank gets its money — with extra interest that’s ultimately paid by the government that hired the contractor. (In the case of Ottawa’s LRT, that amounts to $165 million on the $2.1-billion construction contract.) But if something goes wrong in construction, that’s the contractor’s problem.

If we assume that government ministries could have done a perfectly fine job managing all these projects themselves, it’s $8 billion down a hole. According to Infrastructure Ontario, the provincial agency that makes these deals, we’re paying the extra $8 billion but it’s saving us from $18.6 billion in exposure to cost overruns. That makes it a good deal.

Lysyk reports we’re having to take Infrastructure Ontario’s word for it because “There is no empirical data supporting the key assumptions used by Infrastructure Ontario to assign costs to specific risks. Instead, the agency relies on the professional judgment and experience of external advisers to make these cost assignments, making them difficult to verify.”

The government insists on using Infrastructure Ontario’s financing deals even when they don’t necessarily make sense. A college campus in Mississauga (Lysyk doesn’t name it) was expanded in two phases, for instance. The first phase, built under a traditional construction contract, came in on time and on budget. When it was time to do the second phase, even though doing it the more complicated way was going to cost 10 per cent extra, the province forced the college to use the new system.

Maybe we shouldn’t be so dogmatic, Lysyk proposes. Infrastructure Ontario was only created in 2005 to build things on behalf of other ministries, so its staff have been learning. They might know what they’re doing now.

“Infrastructure Ontario may now be in a position to utilize its expertise to directly manage the construction of certain large infrastructure assets and thereby reduce the cost to taxpayers of private sector financing,” her report says.

dreevely@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/davidreevely

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/reevely-guaranteed-prices-for-public-projects-cost-billions-extra-auditor-finds

[acottawa]

I think the logic is the same for any kind of construction work, you can theoretically save money by being your own general contractor for a home renovation or to build a house, but most people choose to hire someone to manage the project.

Certainly Ottawa's fixed-price LRT seems to be going better than projects in Toronto (Union Station, Vaughan extension) where city staff are trying to manage dozens of subs and coordination problems are leading to delays and cost overruns.

[1overcosc]

I think the logic is the same for any kind of construction work, you can theoretically save money by being your own general contractor for a home renovation or to build a house, but most people choose to hire someone to manage the project.

Certainly Ottawa's fixed-price LRT seems to be going better than projects in Toronto (Union Station, Vaughan extension) where city staff are trying to manage dozens of subs and coordination problems are leading to delays and cost overruns.

Agreed. For a highly complex project like the Confederation Line paying a premium in return for a well run project with guaranteed fixed cost is worth it IMO.

And ya, Toronto's experiences certainly validate this. The P3 managed projects like the Viva Rapidways and the Crosstown line are going way better than the government run ones.

Heck our own experiences validate this, comparing the awesome work on the Confederation Line with the sorry excuse for project management that we've seen on the O-Train expansion.

[c_speed3108]

I think it definitely makes sense for complex projects like the LRT.

The auditor mentioned a two phase expansion at a collage where phase one did not have a fixed price but came in on budget.

The second phase had an inflated fixed price. That is hard to justify. Buildings are not too complex.


I suppose it also comes down to what a fair premium (in terms of dollars or percentage) for peace of mind is.

[J.OT13]

I've thought about this as well. I think the reason we don't see anything proposed for Elgin has to do with it being an established commercial strip, one that is arguably the most consistent and successful in terms of street-walls and businesses lining it. While all the buildings are lowrises, save for one, there is only one building that has a parking lot (TD Bank). In order to build, developers would have to evict popular businesses and demolish small buildings on small lots in order to build something that would be no taller than six stories.

These new buildings wouldn't add much in terms of vibrancy to the street, as Elgin is already a very vibrant restaurant row. Not to mention there are some sizable (parking) lots within a few blocks that would be cheaper to developer (no demolition) and are perfect for taller buildings to absorb this growth. As well, these other properties would be less controversial than Elgin.

The other main streets on the other hand are not in such a favourable position. Rideau, Bank, Somerset-Wellington-Richmond, Main are not as developed as Elgin. There are a lot of large, vacant lots creating gaps along the street in neighbourhoods where developers probably feel they stand a better chance of selling units (well, not Somerset), and if storefronts are occupied they're not necessary the sort of businesses that make an area exciting. Kitchissippi does not have the density Centretown has, yet being so desirable developers can create more housing for people interested in living there. As well, they wouldn't have to demolish much other than a small automechanic building or gas station. Bank Street has larger lots on or near enough that a new building would fill gaps with stores and more people, making it much more vibrant (the condos building in the last 5 years have really helped to transform the dingy strip).

That doesn't mean we won't see something being built on Elgin, as we do have some spots that could be demolished to make way for something else. But considering there are better options elsewhere and Elgin is already great, no need to mess with what works. I'm fine with a lowrise street like Elgin, and you wouldn't want to anger Knox Church again. ;)

For sure, it's nice to see one street maintaining its full vibrancy and history. It is a bit scary to think what might be demolished in favour of new condos down the line.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Campus Suites bought the Holiday Inn on Cooper St.

In September Campus Suites opened a new student rez in Montreal.

It was formerly a Quality Hotel.

A good clue as to who has bought the Quality Hotel in Ottawa.

[rocketphish]

Planning committee approves demolition on Lauzon properties

Carys Mills, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: July 8, 2014, Last Updated: July 8, 2014 6:02 PM EDT
...
Last October, the city’s heritage committee approved a plan to preserve part of the 1904 school by requiring Lauzon to preserve the building’s south and west walls until the property is redeveloped.
...
http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/planning-committee-approves-demolition-on-lauzon-properties

The result:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15837750100_869ebdc6c1_b.jpg
Photo by me. December 13, 2014

[Uhuniau]

I agree, but Is that not where McLarens pub is? It has the minimum number of shops require

It used to not even have that. This building has a much better ground-floor appearance than I first remember it.

[Uhuniau]

The other main streets on the other hand are not in such a favourable position. Rideau, Bank, Somerset-Wellington-Richmond, Main are not as developed as Elgin. There are a lot of large, vacant lots creating gaps along the street in neighbourhoods where developers probably feel they stand a better chance of selling units (well, not Somerset), and if storefronts are occupied they're not necessary the sort of businesses that make an area exciting.

Where are all the large vacant lots on Bank?

[waterloowarrior]

moved a bunch of posts about the Ottawa on the cusp of greatness article here
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=214790

[citydwlr]

While perusing the LineBox Studios (http://www.linebox.ca/) website, I noticed that they are currently working on the interiors at 62 Sparks Street (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/62-sparks) (Matt Carmichael's upcoming restaurant). Linebox also designed the interiors of Carmichael's El Camino (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/el-camino), as well.

[Urbanarchit]

Where are all the large vacant lots on Bank?

I should have specified large lots on or just-off-of Bank from Centretown to Billings Bridge.

[teej1984]

While perusing the LineBox Studios (http://www.linebox.ca/) website, I noticed that they are currently working on the interiors at 62 Sparks Street (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/62-sparks) (Matt Carmichael's upcoming restaurant). Linebox also designed the interiors of Carmichael's El Camino (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/el-camino), as well.

Isn't this supposed to be another Steve Beckta restaurant?

[J.OT13]

While perusing the LineBox Studios (http://www.linebox.ca/) website, I noticed that they are currently working on the interiors at 62 Sparks Street (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/62-sparks) (Matt Carmichael's upcoming restaurant). Linebox also designed the interiors of Carmichael's El Camino (http://www.linebox.ca/work/commercial/el-camino), as well.

So that's the former bank being converted to a restaurant? I thought it was the CIBC.

[citydwlr]

So that's the former bank being converted to a restaurant? I thought it was the CIBC.

Yeah, it seems like it.

There was a post a few months ago on Anne DesBrisay's blog that talked about it:
http://www.capitaldining.ca/2014/news/canadian-imperial-bank-of-carmichael/


I’ve just heard from the horse’s mouth that he’ll take on the lease of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Canada, the flagship historic building on Sparks Street. He expects to fit it up in 10 months (“max”, he writes) and though the vibe will be ‘casual’, the food will be more “classic.” Wine will matter. And there will be reservations! Tables should be available for booking, if all goes according to plan (thinking of you, dear Fauna…) in early fall of 2015. Let’s hope we can bank on it…

[citydwlr]

Isn't this supposed to be another Steve Beckta restaurant?

As far as I've read, 62 Sparks was to be Carmichael's next project. But, maybe with his entry on Sparks, Bekta will want a piece of the action too? I'm sure he's already dreaming up a follow up to Bekta 2.0...

[J.OT13]

Surprised by this announcement. On the upside, if they do pack up in 2053, it would be excellent timing to plan and build a new Science and Tech museum by 2067. Not being a smart ass/sarcastic here, I'm dead serious.

Publié le 21 janvier 2015 à 05h02 | Mis à jour à 05h02

Kruger veut rester jusqu'en 2053

Les Produits Kruger et la Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN) négocient actuellement un prolongement de bail qui pourrait permettre à l'entreprise de poursuivre ses activités sur la rue Laurier à Gatineau jusqu'en 2053.


Lors de la réunion de son conseil d'administration mardi, la CCN a régularisé son Plan de secteur du coeur de la capitale afin de permettre à la direction de négocier un prolongement du bail actuel avec Kruger, qui est un sous-locataire de Weston Inc, qui a acquis les Papiers Scott.

La CCN avait acquis l'ancien site des produits des Papiers Scott en 2003. À l'époque, la CCN avait accepté que le site continue à servir d'installation industrielle pour la production de papier jusqu'en 2028.

C'est l'entreprise Kruger qui a fait les premiers pas pour prolonger le bail actuel qui doit se terminer en 2028, d'un autre 25 ans, c'est-à-dire jusqu'en 2053.


«Les négociations vont bien et nous espérons en arriver à une entente au cours des prochains mois», a fait savoir le premier dirigeant de la CCN, Mark Kristmanson, qui a parlé des discussions positives qu'il a eues avec la compagnie ainsi qu'avec le maire gatinois, Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin.

La politique qui traite de la vision à long terme prévoit l'aménagement d'un parc de la capitale après l'expiration du bail, mais ne précisait pas quand le parc serait aménagé.

Avec la modification adoptée, l'aménagement d'un parc sur le terrain de l'usine «ne pourra se faire qu'après la fin de l'utilisation actuelle comme usine de produits de papier».

Par ailleurs, la CCN s'est engagée à travailler avec tout utilisateur industriel des terrains afin de rehausser l'apparence des installations à partir des berges au moyen d'écrans, d'aménagement paysager, et autres.

Feu vert à Windmill

Par ailleurs, la CCN a donné son accord à l'utilisation du sol et du design conceptuel proposé par la société Windmill pour l'aménagement des îles Albert et des Chaudières et de la rive nord de la rivière des Outaouais (terrains de Domtar).

Environ le quart des terrains liés à cet important projet de développement de 37 acres sont la propriété du gouvernement fédéral.

Il reste encore plusieurs étapes à franchir dans ce dossier, puisque la CCN a une obligation légale de consultation, notamment avec les autochtones.

En octobre dernier, Gatineau et Ottawa avaient déjà donné leur approbation à des modifications à leur plan d'urbanisme et à des règlements. Depuis, les amendements de la Ville d'Ottawa ont été contestés devant la Commission des affaires municipales de l'Ontario.


http://www.lapresse.ca/le-droit/economie/201501/20/01-4837027-kruger-veut-rester-jusquen-2053.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B9_economie_86612_section_POS1

[McC]

careful, you might also be dead something else!

[Uhuniau]

CBC article on review of small local retail.

Triggers the usual, knee-jerk, NIMBYist comments, as usual.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/city-of-ottawa-looks-to-open-more-small-businesses-in-residential-areas-1.2920216

[rocketphish]

Builders take cautious approach to six-storey wood-framed buildings

Patrick Langston, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 23, 2015, Last Updated: January 23, 2015 10:56 AM EST

Should we expect major changes in Ottawa’s housing market thanks to the recent updates in Ontario’s building code that permit the construction of six-storey, wood-framed buildings?

Probably not. But the code change, which came into effect along with other amendments on Jan. 1, does give the housing industry another construction option and has captured the attention of some builders.

“We definitely have an interest in it. We think it makes sense from a lot of perspectives: the sustainability benefits, the long, rich history of wood in this area,” says Rodney Wilts of Windmill Development Group, a green condo builder who is developing the former Domtar lands.

Wilts says that while Windmill has looked at buildings in Europe (where up to six-storey wood-frame construction is commonly permitted) as part of its planning for the Domtar lands, the company is still digesting the code amendment before deciding whether to proceed with wood.

Until now, multi-unit residential and commercial buildings framed in wood were limited to four storeys in Ontario. Steel or concrete was used for anything higher, and Ottawa’s housing industry has long said that the high cost of these materials when added to the soaring price of land, especially downtown, was a prime reason for not building more mid-rise condos. Highrise concrete or steel buildings, on the other hand, were feasible because the cost of the land remains the same regardless of height so the more units you build the lower the per-unit cost of the land.

Building with wood will represent a cost saving of roughly six per cent compared to concrete or steel, according to Bryan Tuckey, president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). The organization was one of those lobbying the provincial government for the code amendment.

He says wood-frame mid-rise construction is also relatively fast because it uses panellized wall systems. “The impact on the neighbours would be so much less,” he says. More mid-rise buildings may also mollify communities that object to the steady march of sky-high condo towers through their neighbourhoods.

Tuckey says that in Toronto some builders are already scouting for architects to design with wood.

While mid-rise condos and rental properties already exist in Ottawa, there is ample opportunity for construction of many more, according to John Moser, general manager of planning and growth management for the city. He sees main streets, town centres and areas near transit stations as the likeliest locations for them. Taller buildings are generally encouraged around transit stations, he adds, but with a transition to mid-rise and then low-rise in surrounding streets.

Moser says Community Design Plans like the one for Bank Street between the Rideau River and Ledbury Park identify mid-rise buildings as part of the neighbourhood’s future development mix.

He says the city does not have to amend bylaws or procedures to accommodate mid-rise wooden structures, and that granting permits should not be a lengthy process because the province has introduced clear and consistent standards for the buildings.

Pierre Dufresne, president of the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, sees the code change as a “great new opportunity … (because it) will allow properties to be developed like parking lots that are already zoned for development, and we won’t have to ask for increased height allowances.”

Wood-frame construction seems unlikely to influence the exterior design of buildings. However, leaving some large timber framing exposed on the interior would add “warmth” to units, says Jeff Armstrong of Kott Lumber, a major Ottawa supplier of wood panellized walls.

While he’s seen significant interest in wood-frame construction among local builders, he says, most say, “ ‘This is great, but I don’t want to be the first one to do it.’ ”

Proponents of wood-frame construction say it has a smaller carbon footprint than steel, glass and concrete construction, which uses materials that are energy-intensive to produce. A study by the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, for example, found that over a 60-year lifespan a six-storey, wood-frame commercial building could produce as much as 32 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than a comparable steel building. That number represents cradle-to-grave emissions including those related to heating/cooling and disposal of the building.

On the other hand, a massive fire in 2013 at a wood-frame housing complex under construction in Kingston sparked concerns about the fire safety of taller wood buildings. The amended code requires greater fire protection such as sprinklers on balconies over 61 centimetres deep.

Other concerns include sound transmission in wood buildings, according to a review by the government of British Columbia, where some 50 mid-rise wood buildings have been constructed since that province’s code was amended in 2009. The review said that technologies such as lightweight concrete poured on the floor after framing can reduce sound transmission as well as providing a fire barrier between units.

In addition to taller wood-frame buildings, the recent code changes include a requirement for smoke alarms in all buildings, including homes, to have a visual component — a kind of strobe light to help alert people who are hearing impaired in the event of a fire.

http://ottawacitizen.com/life/homes/builders-take-cautious-approach-to-six-storey-wood-framed-buildings

[Marcus CLS]

The for sale signs adjacent to the 445 Laurier Condo are gone. Either lands sold or removed due to no takers. Will have to be on the lookout for any Dev apps

[waterloowarrior]

@ottwatch https://twitter.com/ottwatch/status/559737467298131968
Lobbyist Jeff Polowin has hit up 21 of 24 council members on behalf of Richcraft regarding a "proposed development".
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8SWJz_CMAE31yt.png

[Proof Sheet]

@ottwatch https://twitter.com/ottwatch/status/559737467298131968
Lobbyist Jeff Polowin has hit up 21 of 24 council members on behalf of Richcraft regarding a "proposed development".
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8SWJz_CMAE31yt.png

Jeff Polowin has to be the busiest in Ottawa of the lobbyists..there aren't that many who do it f/t. The problem I find is that success in this type of work is very hard to quantify.

The surprising thing in all of this is that in the past (last council) a certain councillor was left out of all of the lobbying even for applications in that councillors ward. Now the new councillor is having meetings with lobbyists.

[RTWAP]

I agree with number one, but not ever for number two. Minto is a beautiful, century old park. Digging it up to build more parking for suburban commuters is terrible. Need a bit of parking, ask for something in a nearby condo building, but not under a park. There are mature trees, monuments and statues, and it's already a successful place for people living or visiting the area. To dig that up for a short-sighted garage would ruin something that works great as it is. Not to mention you'd have to build the entrance and exit to the garage, which would be an ugly structure occupying land on the park.

If people want to drive here, they can face the parking problems. Frankly, the city should be widening the sidewalks and put a bike lane in here. It would take away from cars, but with the people in all the new condos in the area (and the cyclists) I believe Elgin would still be very successful despite no parking.

However, while I'm not one open to accommodating motorists, there is a giant surface parking lot that could be redeveloped into underground parking (and residences): right here. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@45.4147803,-75.6883177,154a,20y,41.72t/data=!3m1!1e3)

That surface lot isn't very big, and is already allocated to existing uses. Shoehorning a structure into that spot would have a permanent impact on the surrounding buildings.

Your point about preserving the park is a good one, but maybe they could move the trees and other park features temporarily to another location and then restore them when it's done.

The park shouldn't lose any space. I'd put the ramps up and down in the northernmost lane of Lewis. And providing more parking there might allow them to reduce street parking nearby, opening up space for wider sidewalks, bike lanes, or other amenities.

[Capital Shaun]

@ottwatch https://twitter.com/ottwatch/status/559737467298131968
Lobbyist Jeff Polowin has hit up 21 of 24 council members on behalf of Richcraft regarding a "proposed development".
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B8SWJz_CMAE31yt.png

Busy lobbyist. I wonder why my councillor Tim Tierney isn't on the list? Was he never approached or did he decline a meeting?

[waterloowarrior]

Busy lobbyist. I wonder why my councillor Tim Tierney isn't on the list? Was he never approached or did he decline a meeting?

the lobbying file goes even further back, he was contacted a few times in 2013
http://ottwatch.ca/lobbying/files/634

[Capital Shaun]

the lobbying file goes even further back, he was contacted a few times in 2013
http://ottwatch.ca/lobbying/files/634

Interesting...

Anybody know what this "Proposed development" is?

[wingman]

Has the new Hyatt for the market been mentioned? I did a (very) quick search and didn't see anything. Saw this in Le Droit today:

http://www.lapresse.ca/le-droit/economie/ottawa-est-ontarien/201501/28/01-4839141-nouvel-hotel-au-marche-by.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=envoyer_cbp

[YOWetal]

Has the new Hyatt for the market been mentioned? I did a (very) quick search and didn't see anything. Saw this in Le Droit today:

http://www.lapresse.ca/le-droit/economie/ottawa-est-ontarien/201501/28/01-4839141-nouvel-hotel-au-marche-by.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=envoyer_cbp

There is a thread here:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=203360

[rocketphish]

Government expected to sell Heron Road training centre

Robert Bostelaar, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 29, 2015, Last Updated: January 29, 2015 7:26 PM EST

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2015/01/no-iptc-info-found30.jpg?w=800
Meeting hall at Federal Study Centre site was originally a Catholic chapel.

The federal government is reportedly preparing to sell off another prime Ottawa property — this one an east-side education campus that has been heralded for its modernist architecture.

Heritage Ottawa, a volunteer group, says the federal Public Works and Government Services landlord is preparing to transfer the 12-building Federal Study Centre at 1495 Heron Rd. to the government’s real estate arm for disposal.

The centre, originally built as a religious complex, is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places and designated as “recognized” by the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office for the clean lines of its brick structures and pleasing scale of its walkways and courtyards.

Whether a potential buyer would wish to preserve the buildings on a seven-hectare site that could have more value for a housing development is uncertain, however. Heritage Ottawa is vowing to “advocate for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the complex.”

The group said in a website post that Public Works “assures us” it is working with the City of Ottawa, which would have veto power over any development proposal. The city could also seek a municipal heritage designation for the campus, the group noted.

However, while such status can delay changes to a property, it cannot prevent them. Nor do the federal designations offer protection. The 1967 Sir John Carling Building, though recognized by the Federal Heritage Office since 2004, was demolished last year to avoid repair bills.

Late Thursday, Public Works said it is “assessing options” for the centre.

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/the-federal-study-centre-1495-heron-road-in-ottawa-is-bein6.jpg

Sarah Gelbard, a researcher and writer on architecture and urban topics, counts the Heron Road campus among her favourite Ottawa sites. She hopes it can be preserved, “but seeing what’s happening in Ottawa right now with modernist architecture, I’m doubtful that someone’s going to take it over and recognize the heritage value and maintain it in that light.”

Gelbard, a Carleton University architecture graduate now working on her PhD in urban planning at McGill University in Montreal, points to the loss of the Carling Building, the replacement of the former Ottawa Congress Centre, and the planned reskinning of the National Arts Centre — the latter two examples of the brutalism movement in architecture — as examples of a continued disregard for modernism.

Unlike the crumbling Carling building, the study centre has been well maintained, with few alterations that would detract from its original design, Gelbard said.

“It’s actually still in really great condition, relative to its original. It’s kind of a time capsule … you look at the old photos from the 1960s and it kind of feels like you’re still there.”

The complex was an early commission of Ottawa architect Tim Murray, who was approached by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and designed two schools, a convent and other structures, all placed around the anchor of a square-edged, copper-roofed chapel.

While a portion of the complex remains in use as a Catholic intermediate school, the rest was sold in 1973 to the federal government.

The property is in the Alta Vista ward of newly elected Ottawa Coun. Jean Cloutier. The councillor’s office said Thursday that Cloutier was unavailable for comment.

rbostelaar@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/robt_bostelaar


Federal Study Centre (Campanile Complex)
1495 Heron Rd.

Property: 7.3 hectares

Number of buildings: 12

Built: 1963-1965

Architect: Tim Murray, Murray and Murray Associates

Original owner: Sisters of Congregation of Notre Dame

Original use: Boys’ high school, girls’ high school, convent, novitiate

Subsequent owner: Government of Canada (1973)

Subsequent uses: Language and other training

Floor area: 14,800 square metres (159,306 square feet)

Yearly payment to city in lieu of taxes: $327,895.29 (2013)

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/government-expected-to-sell-heron-road-training-centre

[Norman Bates]

Wow! I was there for a month in 1987, and then again for two weeks in 1995.

I remember it being difficult to get to by transit but otherwise reminiscent of the schools I attended from 1969 to 1986.

I suspect they'll dump it and run. Followed closely by the nav canada school and the customs school.

[Harley613]

I never realized how expansive this place is
http://i.imgur.com/hRDArIo.jpg

[OTSkyline]

Everything the government does is expansive.... and expensive :runaway:

[Kitchissippi]

Kind of reminds me of a Mayan temple complex. What kind of sacrifices courses were performed there?

http://www.crystalinks.com/chichenItzamap.jpg

[Harley613]

I wonder if any of the colleges or universities would be interested in refurbishing it.

[TransitZilla]

Everything the government does is expansive.... and expensive :runaway:

Part of that complex is actually a school (St Patrick intermediate). I think that's the part with the fresh pavement on the west side. I'm assuming that part is not part of the sale as it is still in use.

[Urbanarchit]

I never realized how expansive this place is
http://i.imgur.com/hRDArIo.jpg

This is a great image.

I really hope they don't demolish anything here, as it really is a great modernist collection. I was planning on waiting until spring to visit and photograph it, but maybe I should consider going sooner just in case.

[rocketphish]

Some big names join the Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict

David Reevely, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 30, 2015, Last Updated: January 30, 2015 5:05 PM EST

Downtown landlords Minto, Morguard and Manulife have signed up to support the Ottawa Centre EcoDistrict, an organization aimed at pooling knowledge and resources to make downtown more ecologically friendly.

I wrote about the non-profit group last spring (in a piece that’s sadly expired from the Citizen website), when it got three years of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The idea is that if landowners work together, they can make downtown a lot greener and more pleasant, and save money along the way.

The EcoDistrict people might, for instance, pull together information on how best to integrate bike parking into car garage, supplement that material with lessons learned here specifically in Ottawa (here’s how many people you can expect to bike in summer, how many in winter, here are some things you can do to get the numbers up), and help property owners standardize the signs and methods of access (so that one keycard gets a cyclist access to a bunch of bike cages in the neighbourhood). As a hypothetical example.

Getting property owners signed up to take active part is a pretty big step. Besides the big three private landlords, the new “champions” the EcoDistrict people announced include Hydro Ottawa, Invest Ottawa, Windmill Development Group, Welch LLP, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Cement Association of Canada, HUB Ottawa, the National Arts Centre and Ottawa Tourism.

Plus they’ve added a bunch of “ambassadors,” mainly planning and engineering firms that have agreed to share expertise, and “partners” that can supply environmentally friendly products to the participants.

They made the announcement in Canada Council meeting space in Morguard’s new building at 150 Elgin St., the office tower just south of Laurier that Shopify has moved into. Coun. David Chernushenko said the EcoDistrict work dovetails very neatly with the city’s investment in the new light-rail system and the Laurier bike lanes, which are part of a slow but significant remaking of downtown to be a much people-friendlier place, less given over to concrete and asphalt.

“Ottawa is far from perfect but doing many things well,” Chernushenko said.

The various groups are to start meeting in early March.

dreevely@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/davidreevely

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-hall-blog-some-big-names-join-the-ottawa-centre-ecodistrict

[MichelKazan]

Government expected to sell Heron Road training centre

Robert Bostelaar, Ottawa Citizen
Published on: January 29, 2015, Last Updated: January 29, 2015 7:26 PM EST

http://wpmedia.ottawacitizen.com/2015/01/no-iptc-info-found30.jpg?w=800
Meeting hall at Federal Study Centre site was originally a Catholic chapel.

The federal government is reportedly preparing to sell off another prime Ottawa property — this one an east-side education campus that has been heralded for its modernist architecture.

Heritage Ottawa, a volunteer group, says the federal Public Works and Government Services landlord is preparing to transfer the 12-building Federal Study Centre at 1495 Heron Rd. to the government’s real estate arm for disposal.

The centre, originally built as a religious complex, is listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places and designated as “recognized” by the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office for the clean lines of its brick structures and pleasing scale of its walkways and courtyards.

Whether a potential buyer would wish to preserve the buildings on a seven-hectare site that could have more value for a housing development is uncertain, however. Heritage Ottawa is vowing to “advocate for the preservation and adaptive reuse of the complex.”

The group said in a website post that Public Works “assures us” it is working with the City of Ottawa, which would have veto power over any development proposal. The city could also seek a municipal heritage designation for the campus, the group noted.

However, while such status can delay changes to a property, it cannot prevent them. Nor do the federal designations offer protection. The 1967 Sir John Carling Building, though recognized by the Federal Heritage Office since 2004, was demolished last year to avoid repair bills.

Late Thursday, Public Works said it is “assessing options” for the centre.

https://postmediaottawacitizen2.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/the-federal-study-centre-1495-heron-road-in-ottawa-is-bein6.jpg

Sarah Gelbard, a researcher and writer on architecture and urban topics, counts the Heron Road campus among her favourite Ottawa sites. She hopes it can be preserved, “but seeing what’s happening in Ottawa right now with modernist architecture, I’m doubtful that someone’s going to take it over and recognize the heritage value and maintain it in that light.”

Gelbard, a Carleton University architecture graduate now working on her PhD in urban planning at McGill University in Montreal, points to the loss of the Carling Building, the replacement of the former Ottawa Congress Centre, and the planned reskinning of the National Arts Centre — the latter two examples of the brutalism movement in architecture — as examples of a continued disregard for modernism.

Unlike the crumbling Carling building, the study centre has been well maintained, with few alterations that would detract from its original design, Gelbard said.

“It’s actually still in really great condition, relative to its original. It’s kind of a time capsule … you look at the old photos from the 1960s and it kind of feels like you’re still there.”

The complex was an early commission of Ottawa architect Tim Murray, who was approached by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame and designed two schools, a convent and other structures, all placed around the anchor of a square-edged, copper-roofed chapel.

While a portion of the complex remains in use as a Catholic intermediate school, the rest was sold in 1973 to the federal government.

The property is in the Alta Vista ward of newly elected Ottawa Coun. Jean Cloutier. The councillor’s office said Thursday that Cloutier was unavailable for comment.

rbostelaar@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/robt_bostelaar


Federal Study Centre (Campanile Complex)
1495 Heron Rd.

Property: 7.3 hectares

Number of buildings: 12

Built: 1963-1965

Architect: Tim Murray, Murray and Murray Associates

Original owner: Sisters of Congregation of Notre Dame

Original use: Boys’ high school, girls’ high school, convent, novitiate

Subsequent owner: Government of Canada (1973)

Subsequent uses: Language and other training

Floor area: 14,800 square metres (159,306 square feet)

Yearly payment to city in lieu of taxes: $327,895.29 (2013)

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/government-expected-to-sell-heron-road-training-centre

Does anybody know if the buildings are open to the public or is it limited access like a lot of government buildings? I think I'd be interested to go and see the interiors as well as the exterior architecture.