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University representative Claudio Brun del Re, left, discusses rezoning plans with Sandy Hill residents. |
What kind of activities should be allowed on the portion of King Edward Avenue that crosses the main campus? What plans does the University have for the eastern part of the campus bordered by Henderson Street? How should development in this area be harmonized taking into account both the needs of the University and the legitimate interests of Sandy Hill residents?
These questions were at the root of a move by the University to approach Sandy Hill residents and the City of Ottawa in 2004. The goal was to come up with a vision for the long-term development of the land tract between Henderson Street and King Edward Avenue, starting south of Laurier Street to Templeton Street. The University owns most of the land in this area.
On May 16, the University hosted a public meeting to present the basic blueprints for a change in zoning in this city quadrangle. The blueprints took into account comments made during the consultation meetings held in May and September 2004.
Under the proposal, the west side of Henderson Street would be designated as exclusively residential, thus restricting the University’s expansion in the east. There is even the possibility of accommodating a lane between Henderson and King Edward that would act as a natural boundary between the campus and the rest of Sandy Hill.
The University is also proposing zoning modifications along King Edward Avenue and cross streets to allow multiple-use buildings, such as residences, small businesses, offices and other institutional uses. The proposal includes increasing height limits to allow four-story structures along King Edward Avenue and five- to seven-story buildings at intersections.
The construction would be “of high architectural quality,” with plazas, wide sidewalks and green spaces.
The proposal also includes measures to preserve, restore and develop the area’s heritage assets.
The proposal was generally well-received by the 100 or so attendees at the meeting. However, some residents expressed unease over the lack of details concerning the exact use of the land at the University’s disposal.
In response to these concerns, University spokesperson Claudio Brun del Re pointed out there were no specific building plans at this time. All new construction projects will be subject to the standard approval process, which includes public consultation, he noted.
The proposal must now be presented to the City of Ottawa’s Planning and Environment Committee and to city council. A final decision should be forthcoming in September 2006.
