Ottawa housing committee's delay of project due to parking complaint draws backlash

Ottawa's housing committee is facing criticism after a proposed development in Orléans that includes dozens of affordable housing units was delayed due to a lack of parking spaces.

Ottawa's housing committee is facing criticism after a proposed development in Orléans that includes dozens of affordable housing units was delayed due to a lack of parking spaces.

The decision is prompting backlash from residents and other officials.

The development at 360 Kennedy Lane East would include 81 residential units, a combination of townhomes and three-storey walk-ups, according to the developer Kindred Works. A third of those units would be priced at below market rent. The development would be built on what is currently a field next to Queenswood United Church.

However, during Monday's planning and housing committee meeting, the issue of parking spaces was raised. A motion moved by Coun. Laura Dudas on behalf of Councillor Matthew Luloff mentions an online petition with just over 800 signatures that raises concerns about additional traffic, a lack of on-street parking in the area, negative effects on property values and worries about "urbanizing an otherwise quiet neighbourhood." The proposal would also have nine fewer parking spaces than there are units.

The motion called on committee to send the zoning change back to staff to "work through the outstanding traffic and parking concerns and… consider the imposition of conditions to manage construction parking during the build." It also asks that staff request the owners issue a "warning clause" to potential tenants to make them aware of the limited parking.

Luloff, who is not a member of the committee, told members he doesn't think the development is ready to be approved.

"There's a way for this development to move forward respectfully and with the support of the community, but we're not there yet," he said. "There remains serious outstanding concerns that have not been addressed by the applicant or city staff. These concerns require serious attention and resolution before this project can proceed in order to secure the buy-in from the community."