Kanata residents fuming over proposed gas station
Commercial development proposed for lot across Terry Fox Drive from Carp River
Robyn Miller · CBC News
Posted: Mar 28, 2019 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Some Kanata residents are playing the environment card in an effort to stop a proposed gas station and strip mall in their neighbourhood.
Nearly 1,000 people have signed an online petition calling on the City of Ottawa to reject an application for a Shell station and convenience store, car wash and multi-unit commercial plaza near the intersection of Kanata Avenue and Terry Fox Drive.
Charles Brown, who's lived in the area for about eight years, said there are already three gas stations within about one kilometre, but at least they're in commercial areas.
This one would sit directly across Terry Fox Drive from the Carp River, including a pond and pathway that were part of the first phase of a recent restoration project.
"This gas station would be in a residential area and also across from a sensitive environmental area, so there is great concern in this community about that," Brown said.
The property in question is just over one hectare in area and is currently zoned for commercial use. The applicant is asking to reduce required setbacks at the front and side of the lot.
Brown believes that would minimize sightlines, creating a hazard for both motorists and pedestrians.
My Hoac, who also lives nearby, also has concerns about the proposal.
"[I'm] concerned about the neighbourhood, for the health of the neighbours and for the children who play in the background, and all the smell of the gasoline," Hoac said.
The proposed development would back directly onto about a dozen homes on Ingersoll Crescent and Tillsonburg Street. Some residents, inlcuding Cynthia Zheng, are concerned about their property value.
"I think it's not safe for our community, and I'm also worried about the house price," said Zheng, who added she has no problem with the single-storey commercial building also being proposed.
In a written statement, Shell Canada spokesperson Kristen Schmidt said the company works with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure their operations comply with industry standards and local guidelines.
"For this potential retail site, we have been working closely with the municipal planning department to ensure we have the necessary permits," Schmidt said.
"Safety and care for people are fundamental to the way we do business. We strive to be good neighbours in the areas where we operate."
The application, submitted to the city's planning department on Feb. 4, includes a traffic assessment, a noise study, a geotechnical study, a storm water management plan and a letter confirming lighting at the site "has been designed in accordance to city standards."
The city's planning committee is expected to consider the application on May 23.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/kanata-residents-fuming-over-proposed-gas-station-1.5072190
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