2475 Regina St [Parkway House redevelopment] | 24/50/88m | 7/16/28f | Approved

[c_speed3108]

Neighbours concerned over group home's condo plan
Last Updated: Thursday, April 1, 2010 | 1:55 PM ET Comments1Recommend2
CBC News

West-end residents are meeting Thursday to discuss the plans of an Ottawa home for the physically disabled to have a developer build two residential towers on its land.

Parkway House, which lies in the middle of a two-acre lot on the end of Regina Street in Lincoln Heights, has been investigating the possibility of developing its land in partnership with Windmill Developments Group Ltd.

The developer has proposed plans to build two condominium towers —one 12 storeys and the other 20 storeys — and provide Parkway House with a new on-site building.

Parkway House board president James McLaren said the move would provide the home money at a time when fundraising has failed to keep up with operating costs.

If a solution isn't arrived at soon, McLaren said the home, which houses a dozen people requiring round-the-clock care, would close.

"What we've got in mind will basically erase our problem," said McLaren. "We will be able to operate in perpetuity."
Land would need to be rezoned

The issue for Parkway House is that the land it occupies comes with a property covenant that restricts it to institutional use. The property was originally owned by the Separate School Board and sold to the city, which turned it over to Parkway House in 1981.

So to go through with the plan, Parkway House needs to get the city to waive the covenant and rezone the land.

It also needs to convince the neighbours.

The Lincoln Heights-Parkway Community Association called a meeting at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre for Thursday evening to give the community a chance to pitch Parkway House on other funding alternatives.

Association president Julia Goodman said the community doesn't want the home to go broke, but also has concerns about the developer's plan.

"The best outcome would be Parkway House stays, but not with two big buildings on either side of it," she said.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/04/01/ott-parkway-house.html#ixzz0jsTGv144


http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=rjvfmn8pj2s2&scene=32859159&lvl=1&sty=b

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Regina+Street+ottawa&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Regina+St,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario,+Canada&ei=Ve-0S8jfCISKlweG0KBz&ved=0CAoQ8gEwAA&ll=45.369717,-75.785129&spn=0.003068,0.006491&t=h&z=17

[ajldub]

Windmill eh? Aren't those the guys that barfed on the corner of Wellington and Holland?

[c_speed3108]

Windmill eh? Aren't those the guys that barfed on the corner of Wellington and Holland?


GCTC? Yes that was them. Some seem to love them, others not so much.

[blackjagger]

Alex Cullen says that there is too much density in the proposal.

For a location beside two high rise apartment buildings?

And that maybe the city should turn the property into a park.

Right beside the start of the Ottawa river parkway, would another acre really add anything?

We haven't even seen a site plan or rendering and we're already hearing how it will ruin the neighbour and bring in criminals.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Group+home+condo+plan+worries+area+residents/2755174/story.html

Cheers,
Josh

[gjhall]

The arguments against this proposal are comical so far. If anyone hasn't looked at the address on a map/aerial yet, please do so.

If ever there was an appropriate place for high rises this would be it...adjacent to other high rises and next to the parks and the Ottawa River Parkway.

The argument that criminals would be the result of two eco-friendly Windmill condo towers is just ... what can you make of it?

[jchamoun79]

From another article: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Group+home+condo+plan+worries+area+residents/2755881/story.html

"Breda Kelly, who has four children and moved into Lincoln Heights 10 years ago, said she sympathized with the plight of Parkway House residents, but asked McLaren if 'the needs of 12 people should upset the lives of so many others.'"

This is just selfish and shameful. How can these NIMBYs sleep at night?

[rocketphish]

This isn't a new proposal... it has just been revived. Some background info:

http://www.emcottawawest.ca/20091002/news/Plans+for+Parkway+House+development+not+cancelled
http://www.emcottawawest.ca/20091009/news/Parkway+House+development+still+on+the+table
http://www.momtahan.com/lhc

[rocketphish]

If anyone hasn't looked at the address on a map/aerial yet, please do so.

If ever there was an appropriate place for high rises this would be it...adjacent to other high rises and next to the parks and the Ottawa River Parkway

Here it is:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2760/4484808748_79b0efed9e_o_d.jpg

[jcollins]

Ya this one just has crime written all over it. :rolleyes:

Condos here will balance out a neighborhood with lots of rental units. It's not like there isn't density there already. This is a perfect spot for this project. And if done correctly (designed well) could really spark some life into the neighbourhood.

I really dont see how this one would "upset the lives" of so many people. Its really not like there aren't high rises around. Two more will make very little difference. I also can't see how it would make the area unsafe.

[rocketphish]

City delays Parkway House decision

By Michael Woods, Ottawa Citizen May 7, 2014

The city is asking for more time to decided whether or not to buy land from a westend home for adults with disabilities, which says it will be forced to close if it can't sell.

Parkway House, which houses 12 adults with physical disabilities, has an agreement with condo developer Domicile to sell its land in exchange for space in the new development. The city has the right of first refusal on the land and must decide whether to buy it.

The finance and economic development committee voted on Tuesday to have city staff ask the board of Parkway House for an extension until July 11. The current deadline is May 16, but Coun. Mark Taylor has said the city needs more time to look at the Parkway's finances and what effect a new development could have on its operation.

Julia Goodman, president of the Lincoln Heights-Parkway Community Association, told the committee that residents are concerned about possible out-of-scale development on the site, and about traffic in the area. But she said the issue is more complex and that more information is needed to gauge residents' views.

The city, which originally sold the land to Parkway House in the 1970s, could purchase it for fair market value as determined by two appraisals.

However, a city staff report said Parkway House and the developer haven't shared the plans and that therefore staff can't determine the value of the agreement and how it might relate to Parkway House's longterm viability.

A public meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre to discuss the matter. Taylor has said he would like to sit down with Parkway House to come up with an alternative to the private-sector proposal, and to get more details on what the plans would be for the land if the city purchased it.

mwoods@ottawacitizen.com

twitter.com/michaelrwoods
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/City+delays+Parkway+House+decision/9813326/story.html

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/cms/binary/9809555.jpg

[Jim613]

Even though the headlines sound bad, I hope people are paying attention to this piece...

The developer has proposed plans to build two condominium towers —one 12 storeys and the other 20 storeys — and provide Parkway House with a new on-site building.

I know plans can change and developers could get greedy/heartless at any point, but as of now the residents (patients?) aren't being displaced

[YOWetal]

Even though the headlines sound bad, I hope people are paying attention to this piece...



I know plans can change and developers could get greedy/heartless at any point, but as of now the residents (patients?) aren't being displaced

It doesn't sound like charity or something the developer could back out of. It is essentially a trade of land for a new location and must also leave them with some money as an endowment. The developer's interest is probably related to the ability to get an increase in height approved by the city because of the "useful" benefit it gives to the current occupants.

[MountainView]

Wow I live really close to this area and had no idea that was even tucked behind those apartments. In my opinion, Domicile could probably build even higher if they wanted too. Most of the apartments in this area are 70s style concrete monsters. Most are 20-30 floors tall, especially the groupings across the Parkway on Ambleside Dr. Even the ones on Richmond and the Parkway are probably higher than 20 floors each. Something modern will look completely different beside these old condos/apartments.

[rocketphish]

City decides not to buy Parkway House

By Michael Woods, Ottawa Citizen May 14, 2014 5:36 PM

The City of Ottawa has decided not to buy a Parkway House, a home in the west end for adults with physical disabilities, potentially paving the way for redevelopment of the site.

Parkway House has a conditional agreement with private developer Domicile to sell its land in exchange for space on the ground floor of a new development.

The home’s board of directors has said that without the revenue from the deal, the facility would be forced to close.

The city had right of first refusal on the land in Lincoln Heights, which it sold to Parkway House in the 1970s. Bay Ward Coun. Mark Taylor had asked for Parkway House to extend the city’s deadline to decide from this Friday until July 11. But the home’s directors said that further delays would mean they would have to raise thousands of dollars more.

On Wednesday, council voted in favour of city staff’s recommendation not to buy the land because they aren’t sure how much it would cost.

Taylor said he and city staff met with Parkway House representatives on Monday but that they were eager to pursue a deal with the developer.

“Try as we might, there really wasn’t the willingness on their part to say … we’ll take the time to explore a public option,” Taylor said.

Parkway House still has hurdles to clear. There remains a restrictive covenant that says Parkway House was granted the land “for its sole and only use” so long as it’s used for a non-profit corporation providing facilities for men and women with physical disabilities.

If the covenant is lifted, the zoning process will follow. Taylor said there’s going to be “significant concern” from neighbours who don’t want a new development in the area.

mwoods@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/michaelrwoods

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Ottawa+decides+Parkway+House/9838685/story.html

[postingaboutottawa]

New proposal near Lincoln Fields from Windmill and Diamond Schmitt which includes a redeveloped parkway house and two new buildings over two phases.

devapp : https://devapps.ottawa.ca/en/applications/D02-02-22-0053/details

https://abload.de/img/webcapture_19-6-202267jkh.jpeg (https://abload.de/image.php?img=webcapture_19-6-202267jkh.jpeg)

https://abload.de/img/webcapture_19-6-2022cvkqj.jpeg (https://abload.de/image.php?img=webcapture_19-6-2022cvkqj.jpeg)

https://abload.de/img/webcapture_19-6-2022b9jae.jpeg (https://abload.de/image.php?img=webcapture_19-6-2022b9jae.jpeg)

edit if a mod could switch u/c to proposed would be appreciated.

[RideauRat]

I'm really diggin the development prospects for lincoln fields/Richmond right now.

[rocketphish]

Parkway House has entered into a redevelopment agreement with Windmill Development Group to construct a new facility at 2475 Regina Street.

Alongside a new home for the Parkway House facility, the site will feature new housing, designed, and constructed to be one of the most sustainable new development projects in Ottawa, by pursuing international endorsement as a One Planet Living® community.

Parkway House Ottawa and District with Windmill Development Group is proposing to demolish the existing one-storey facility and construct a new facility and a residential development consisting of three buildings. The proposed structures consist of: one seven-storey Cross-Laminated Timber building incorporating Parkway House on the ground floor and six storeys of residential units above; one 19-storey building providing residential units likely for rental purposes; and one 25-storey building consisting of market value residential units.

With a total of 510 residential units, the buildings are planned to include a range of units from studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom units, and family friendly three-bedroom units. The proposed development is to include two levels of underground parking servicing residences and visitors, and a surface parking lot servicing Parkway House. A bicycle space will be provided underground for each unit.

The development is planned to be completed in two phases. The new Parkway House facility and residential building, the 19-storey tower and the western portion of the underground parking garage is to be constructed in the first phase while the existing Parkway House facility remains operational. The 25-storey tower and the eastern portion of the underground parking is planned as the second phase.

A loop road is proposed to service all three buildings extending and modifying current Regina Street entering the site from the southwest.

A total of 261 parking spaces are proposed for the development. Twelve sheltered surface parking spaces are planned for Parkway House daytime use and after hour visitor parking and 241 below grade parking spaces are reserved for visitors and residents of the three buildings.
Ten accessible parking spaces are provided on each level. Also provided are 510 stacked bicycle parking spaces at P1 level accessible by the entrance ramp at 5 and 10 percent slope.

Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects


Location:

https://i.imgur.com/862ZwMK.png


Site:

https://i.imgur.com/9vwtPjy.png


More renderings:

https://i.imgur.com/qVsO3iB.png

https://i.imgur.com/KAyI3xQ.png

https://i.imgur.com/ORTu0mG.png

https://i.imgur.com/VkqV53G.png

https://i.imgur.com/Z401Arl.png

[SL123]

Wow! Really nice project and good location.

[Williamoforange]

Article on a previous possible redevelopment:

"City decides not to buy Parkway House"

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-decides-not-to-buy-parkway-house

[DTcrawler]

Had to double check I was looking at threads for the right city… this looks stunning.

[originalmuffins]

Wow these are really nice. Wish they were taller like 35F or 40F but I'll take this. Looks awesome!

[Harley613]

This one reminds me of Zibi Block 206, in a good way.
https://kohnarchitects.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/zibi-206-gallery1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qVsO3iB.png

[OTSkyline]

Agreed. What a pleasant surprise. I love the design and style of the two towers.

Very pleased with the projects Windmill have put out. :worship:

With all of these exciting projects and densities being added, I really hope we can put together a cohesive plan for the area around Lincoln Fields and not just plop down individual buildings without thinking of connectivity. Retail, sidewalks & trails, frontage, transit, everything should work together to make it a decent hub in the westend.

[bartlebooth]

I'm also pleasantly surprised so far. Hoping for quality materials and detailing. I find it interesting that Ottawa developers are working with architects outside of the city more and more frequently. Variety is nice.

[waterloowarrior]

YuAya0hRjwU

[J.OT13]

I'm not sure I understand what's so great about this one. Lot of glass and white paneling. Nothing to separate tower from podium. No retail space. Surface parking and a significant inner road. Not convinced.

[vtecyo]

I'm not sure I understand what's so great about this one. Lot of glass and white paneling. Nothing to separate tower from podium. No retail space. Surface parking and a significant inner road. Not convinced.

I think it will be the most beautiful development in the Lincoln Fields area... I know that's not a high bar to jump... but even on it's own it looks decent enough for Ottawa.

[waterloowarrior]

I'm not sure I understand what's so great about this one. Lot of glass and white paneling. Nothing to separate tower from podium. No retail space. Surface parking and a significant inner road. Not convinced.

I don't think it's a great spot for retail on a dead end road in a residential neighbourhood. No issues with a layout designed more for views than compactness in this location.

[originalmuffins]

Yeah unfortunately where this is located, businesses that do end up there (if there was a retail component), will just end up dying out. It's too out of the way and obscure... unless there was a bridge to the main street but even then - it's just weird for walkability and even drivability.

[OTSkyline]

Personally I like the massing, the balconies, use of glass and the alternating brickwork or honeycomb sort of design of the white panelling - something unique that we haven't seen in Ottawa yet. And we all know Ottawa is in dire need of unique projects.

[rocketphish]

Windmill plans new group home, residential towers near former site of Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre

By: OBJ staff
Jul 4, 2022 4:30pm EDT

https://www.obj.ca/sites/default/files/styles/article_main/public/2022-07/Screenshot%202022-07-04%204.23.10%20PM.jpg

A prominent Ottawa firm known for its environmentally friendly housing projects wants to build a new group home for adults with physical disabilities as well as two highrises containing hundreds of residential units near the former site of the Lincoln Fields Shopping Centre.

Windmill Development Group recently filed an application to construct three buildings with a total of 510 residential suites at 2475 Regina St., near the northwest corner of Richmond Road and the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway.

The one-hectare property is currently home to Parkway House, a 12-unit residence for adults with physical disabilities. Windmill plans to tear down the current building, which has occupied the site for more than four decades, and replace it with a new seven-storey building that will include a new home for Parkway House on the ground floor and six floors of residential units above.

According to the application, the aging group home has become “uneconomical to maintain” due to rising operating deficits and needs to be replaced.

Parkway House has signed a redevelopment agreement with Windmill that will see the Ottawa firm construct a new facility and establish an annuity that will cover the group home’s current deficit until the new building is constructed. Another annuity will be established once the new facility is operational to ensure its continued operation.

The proposal also includes plans for two highrises of 19 and 25 storeys that would contain a mix of studio apartments as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.

Windmill says it is “currently working through the feasibility of the site to understand the proposed mix of residential rental versus condominium units.” A planning application recently filed with the city says the 19-storey tower will likely be home to rental apartments while the 25-storey highrise would contain “market-value” condominium units.

The developer says it hopes to tap into financing programs provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. and groups such as Toronto-based Trillium Housing in a bid to provide affordable rental housing and condo units.

“Alongside a new home for the Parkway House facility, the site will feature new housing, designed, and constructed to be one of the most sustainable new development projects in Ottawa,” the application prepared by planning consultant GBA Group says.

Windmill says it intends to pursue a One Planet Living designation for the development – a “framework guiding a complete and comprehensive plan that will tackle climate change, build resilient communities, and regenerate the living systems around us.”

The builder says only two other two other residential communities in Canada currently meet One Planet Living standards, including the Zibi project on the Ottawa River waterfront which Windmill also helped to develop.

Windmill’s plan also calls for two levels of underground parking with 241 vehicle spaces for residents and visitors of the rental and condo units as well as an above-ground sheltered surface lot with 12 parking spots for Parkway House.

While that works out to fewer than one vehicle parking spot for every two residential units, Windmill plans to provide stacked bicycle parking for all 510 suites.

The developer is also proposing almost 3,400 square feet of outdoor communal space on the third floor of the Parkway House structure as well as a combined 6,200 square feet of outdoor terrace space at the other two buildings.

The proposal would require zoning amendments since it exceeds current height limits for the property.

https://www.obj.ca/article/real-estate/residential/windmill-plans-new-group-home-residential-towers-near-former-site

[Jay31]

Yeah unfortunately where this is located, businesses that do end up there (if there was a retail component), will just end up dying out. It's too out of the way and obscure... unless there was a bridge to the main street but even then - it's just weird for walkability and even drivability.Agreed, although I think this is also the main challenge with the Lincoln Fields area that needs to be sorted out for this development (and hopefully others in the area). That challenge being that the area is not well connected for local access - be it pedestrian, bike or even car in some cases. The roads around the area are all optimized for through traffic - commuters who are not going to stop in the area. Access from this location to Richmond is round about, despite being quite close. You can get to the NCC bike paths, but then it's challenging to get from there to anywhere else (particularly if you're disabled - as this development targets). This is true of many locations in the Lincoln Fields area that are physically very close, but actually very separated by Carling, the parkway or Richmond.

I'm not too far from Lincoln Fields, and it strikes me that this area has so much potential with a bit of planning input (planning for locals, not just planning for through commuters). I do hope with more of these large development proposals and the LRT that it'll improve over time.

[roger1818]

I'm not sure I understand what's so great about this one. Lot of glass and white paneling. Nothing to separate tower from podium. No retail space. Surface parking and a significant inner road. Not convinced.

The Surface parking is only for Parkway House. The remainder of the parking will be underground.

[rocketphish]

Windmill proposes high rises, group home development along parkway
The Windmill Parkway proposal goes before the city's planning committee on Sept. 15.

Blair Crawford, Ottawa Citizen
Jul 07, 2022 • 1 hour ago • 2 minute read

https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/ottawacitizen/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/windmill-development-group-regina-street-w-1.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=600

Windmill, the company behind the Zibi development near Chaudiere Falls, is proposing to build two high rises along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway near Lincoln Fields that would include a new home for an aging facility for disabled adults.

In June, Windmill Development Group submitted its proposal to the city for a 510-unit complex at 2475 Regina St., just north of Richmond Road on the west side of the parkway.

The site is currently home to Parkway House, a four-decade-old accessible non-profit that is home to 12 adults with physical disabilities who require 24/7 care. Windmill’s plan calls for Parkway residents to occupy the ground floor of a new, seven-storey residential building on the property’s west side.

The plan also includes towers of 25 and 19 storeys on the eastern edge, overlooking the parkway. The development would include studio apartments along with one-, two- and three-bedroom units. It will have 261 parking spots: 249 underground and 12 sheltered surface spots.

A “central communal landscaped area” will be the focus of the development, according to a plan filed with the City of Ottawa last month.

Windmill is seeking a bylaw amendment to permit the high-rise development in what is currently zoned as “parks and open spaces.”

The two-acre site was originally owned by the Catholic school board, which sold the land to the city. The city, in turn, turned the property over to Parkway in 1981.

Parkway has been trying to strike a deal to sell the property for more than a decade, one that would give them a new building and bring in revenue that would keep the non-profit solvent. Talks with Windmill began in 2010, but fell apart. Then they tried to work a deal with developer Canderel, which also failed. An attempt to re-sell the land to the city in 2014 was unsuccessful.

One roadblock is a restrictive covenant saying Parkway House was granted the land “for its sole and only use” so long as it was used for a non-profit corporation providing facilities for men and women with physical disabilities.

The Windmill proposal has alarmed residents in the Britannia Heights, Lincoln Fields neighbourhood, who say the green space needs to be protected, worry about the high towers blocking views of the Ottawa River and nearby Mud Lake and have concerns about traffic congestion in the area, a dead-end street with limited access points to Richmond Road.

Windmill, founded in 2003, bills itself as an innovative, eco-friendly builder that “set out to disrupt the old order.” In addition to Zibi, its sprawling development on Chaudiere and Albert islands near LeBreton Flats, Windmill built The Eddy condo in Hintonburg.

The Windmill Parkway proposal goes before the planning committee on Sept. 15.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/windmill-proposes-high-rises-group-home-development-along-parkway

[originalmuffins]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPcf350p8zg

Public meeting happened for these lots, courtesy of Rail Fans discord.

[rocketphish]

Updated proposal (October 2022)

This has gone from a 7/19/25f proposal to a 7/16/28f proposal.

https://i.imgur.com/J8EvoLC.png

https://i.imgur.com/UM4cwLT.png

https://i.imgur.com/lktX8iG.png

https://i.imgur.com/RlGgGAO.png

https://i.imgur.com/JSGDeNG.png

https://i.imgur.com/euu4jpf.png

https://i.imgur.com/PmwhEF6.png

https://i.imgur.com/p27SbPq.png

[Harley613]

Really nice redistribution of massing. I really hope we see more of these pretty panel clad towers around town to offset the dozens of brick CharcWarts.

[OTSkyline]

Agreed, I like the variation in height and the style/design which would be unique and new in Ottawa. Location next to parkways and LRT is also a plus. Hopefully we can see a proposal for Lincoln Fields phase 2 soon which would make this area a better mixed-use area and make the walk from this to the LRT station more pleasant.

[McKellarDweller]

I agree with all the positive comments above. I hope this brings a nice addition of mixed demographic residents, and is a draw for some peak-earning years professionals that are not numerous in the immediate area.

[J.OT13]

From Leiper's Newsletter.

a re-zoning at Parkway House on Regina for another tall, dense development next to the Kichi Zibi Mikan that may be controversial since some of the open greenspace on that property is actually zoned as parks and open space despite being privately owned

https://mailchi.mp/9a4f4b3758e7/kitchissippi-weekly-email-275-addendum-8369128?e=74d6b057d5

[GeoNerd]

“that may be controversial”

Lol @ Leiper baiting his constituents into opposing this development.

[J.OT13]

Listening to Planning on this one. Seems the City, NCC and Windmill will work together to ensure the Pinecrest Creek Pathway will be cleared in winter, which is essential for the connection to Lincoln Fields Station.

I didn't sit and listen to the entire thing.

Anyway, approved by Planning.

[J.OT13]

Approved by Council. Apparently, there was some debate regarding winter maintenance of the NCC pathway, but I have no info on that at the moment.

[Harley613]

That Western River Skyline is getting pretty bad ass. 1047 and 1299 are mostly all that's left in the area for approvals.

https://i.postimg.cc/sDVSNNwC/West1.png
https://i.postimg.cc/gcy84WyK/West2.png

[J.OT13]

What are the towers next to Parkway House, the taller ones proposed?

[rocketphish]

What are the towers next to Parkway House, the taller ones proposed?

1299 Richmond Rd
https://skyscraperpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255404

[rocketphish]

High-rise development near Lincoln Fields approved by Ottawa city council
"It's critical that the people who live in this development have access to the transit system."

Blair Crawford, Ottawa Citizen
Published Sep 27, 2023 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read

In theory, the triple-tower development at 2475 Regina St. approved Wednesday by Ottawa council meets the city’s philosophy of “the 15-minute neighbourhood.”

But in winter only for very fast walkers.

That’s because the National Capital Commission path connecting it to the nearby Lincoln Fields LRT station isn’t plowed in winter. When the snow flies, residents of the 510-unit development will have a circuitous 1.2-kilometre walk to the station that’s less than 200 metres away via the unplowed path.

The NCC says it’s OK allowing the path to be plowed. The question is this: Who’s going to pay for it?

“This project relies very heavily on that NCC path. If it falls apart, I don’t know why we’re approving this plan,” Bay Ward Coun. Theresa Kavanagh said while bringing a motion that would delay Windmill approval until the issue was resolved.

But city staff balked at that proposal. The city is leery that snow plows could cause costly damage to the multi-use pathway, which follows a steep slope to Carling Avenue alongside the Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway (previously known as the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway). There are also other developments that rely on NCC pathways, and the city doesn’t want to set a precedent by taking on snow-clearing responsibility.

Only half of the units in the Windmill development will have parking spaces, meaning people who live there will be reliant on public transit and the LRT. Neighbours in adjacent Lincoln Heights are worried about increased traffic on Regina Street from the large Windmill towers.

“We’re being asked to approve to development with more than 500 units that’s within metres of transit, but with no assurance at all there will be an ability, if there’s no pathway, to get them there,” said Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower, chair of the city’s transit commission and one of 11 councillors who backed Kavanagh’s motion.

“It’s critical that the people who live in this development have access to the transit system.”

Others, however, said the need for new housing trumped concern about LRT access.

“We should be building houses,” Orléans East-Cumberland Coun. Matt Luloff said bluntly.

The site is currently home to Parkway House, a four-decade-old accessible non-profit that is home to 12 adults with physical disabilities and requiring 24/7 care. Windmill’s plan calls for Parkway residents to occupy the ground floor of a new, seven-storey residential building on the property’s west side.

Windmill is seeking a zoning amendment to permit the high-rise development in what is currently zoned as “parks and open spaces.”

The two-acre site was originally owned by the Catholic school board, which sold the land to the City of Ottawa. The city, in turn, turned the property over to Parkway in 1981.

Parkway has been trying to strike a deal to sell the property for more than a decade, one that would give them a new building and bring in revenue that would keep the non-profit solvent.

In the end, councillors approved the Windmill project by a 14-11 vote.

https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/high-rise-development-near-lincoln-fields-approved-by-ottawa-city-council

[Marcus CLS]

The article complains about the NCC path not being plowed but New Orchard station will be 940 m away. Alternatively can still catch the no. 11 and transfer to New Orchard. So I do not see what the problem is. I used to live in the same area and the old no. 11 route used to connect to Westboro Station. I never walked to Lincoln Fields for morning rush hour.

[rocketphish]

The article complains about the NCC path not being plowed but New Orchard station will be 940 m away. Alternatively can still catch the no. 11 and transfer to New Orchard. So I do not see what the problem is. I used to live in the same area and the old no. 11 route used to connect to Westboro Station. I never walked to Lincoln Fields for morning rush hour.

It's the 400m walk to Lincoln Fields LRT Station that they're talking about. But how is this future path situation different from what exists today? How do the residents of Richmond Park Square get to the Lincoln Fields BRT Station now?

[Jay31]

Most of the NCC paths in the area aren't officially plowed, but are traversed enough in the winter that they are quite walkable most of the time (perhaps less so after a foot of snow).

That said, it doesn't help anyone with mobility issues. The whole area around Lincoln Fields could be improved from a pedestrian connectivity perspective.

There are well travelled winter trails that appear all across Lincoln fields to cross the parkway even where there are no paved paths because pedestrian connectivity is so poor in the area. Luckily there is light traffic on the parkways most of the time, so it's fairly safe to J walk across (Though some sort of official crossing would still be better).

[Williamoforange]

Looks like the OLT appeal has been dismissed, seriously this stuff takes way too long.

https://jus-olt-prod.powerappsportals.com/en/e-status/details/?id=3a09267c-4183-ee11-8179-0022483dd266

[Proof Sheet]

Looks like the OLT appeal has been dismissed, seriously this stuff takes way too long.

https://jus-olt-prod.powerappsportals.com/en/e-status/details/?id=3a09267c-4183-ee11-8179-0022483dd266

City of Ottawa and the OLT are on the same wavelength in putting up notices and then they end up in dead links. I deal with the City daily and the screw ups like this happen way too often.

[J.OT13]

Provincial Gov loves to criticize Cities for their slow processes, but man, the OLT seems to be similarly slow.