Ottawa City Council has passed a motion requesting the provincial government to reinstate the option for nine-storey buildings on minor corridors.
The motion, which was put forward by Councillor Catherine McKenney, aims to address the city’s growing need for affordable housing and to promote sustainable development in Ottawa.
In 2018, the provincial government made changes to the Planning Act, limiting the maximum height of buildings on minor corridors to six storeys. This decision was met with criticism from city officials and residents, who argued that it would hinder the city’s ability to accommodate its growing population and address the affordable housing crisis.
Councillor McKenney’s motion highlights the importance of having a range of building heights in order to meet the diverse needs of the city’s residents. It also emphasizes the need for taller buildings to accommodate affordable housing units, as well as to promote density and reduce urban sprawl.
The motion also points out that the six-storey limit on minor corridors does not align with the city’s Official Plan, which allows for nine-storey buildings on these corridors. This inconsistency has caused confusion and delays in the development process, leading to a decrease in the number of affordable housing units being built.
City Council’s request to the provincial government is in line with the city’s goal of creating more affordable housing units and promoting sustainable development. By reinstating the option for nine-storey buildings on minor corridors, the city will have more flexibility in meeting its housing needs and promoting a more compact and walkable city.
The motion has received support from various community groups, including the Ottawa Alliance to End Homelessness and the Federation of Citizens’ Associations of Ottawa. These groups recognize the importance of having a range of building heights to address the city’s housing crisis and promote a more livable city.
In addition to addressing the affordable housing crisis, the motion also highlights the economic benefits of taller buildings. By allowing for taller buildings on minor corridors, the city can attract more investment and create more job opportunities, contributing to the city’s economic growth.
The motion has been sent to the provincial government for consideration, and city officials are hopeful that it will be approved. By reinstating the option for nine-storey buildings on minor corridors, Ottawa will be able to better meet the needs of its residents and promote sustainable development in the city.
