OTTAWA — A public consultation on redevelopment of the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe will take place Nov. 26 at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway.
Dubbed an “ideas fair”, the event will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be presentations at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in addition to interactive stations where members of the public can speak with project team members.
The Canada Lands Company (CLC), owner of the 125-hectare site, announced Thursday the renewal of planning and public consultation after a five-year delay.
“Rockcliffe represents one of the most significant community building opportunities in Ottawa”, Robert Howald, senior vice-president of real estate at CLC, said in a statement.
“CLC is excited by the potential of this site as one of the city’s most promising canvases,” he said. “We want to build a neighbourhood that the entire City of Ottawa can be proud of and we look forward to working with the community to help us create it.”
In 2007, a land claim by the Algonquins of Ontario blocked the sale of the site by the Department of National Defence to CLC. The $27.2-million sale went through last spring after the Algonquins struck a $10-million deal with the federal government.
A participation agreement between the Algonquins and CLC provides for ongoing consultation throughout the planning and development process as well as commemoration of Algonquin heritage and economic participation.
“We are pleased to participate with CLC in this exciting project which will celebrate the Algonquin presence in the nation’s capital while contributing to the economic vitality of the region,” said Robert J. Potts, principal negotiator for the Algonquins.
CLC plans to commemorate military history as well as the First Nations heritage.
“We want to develop an innovative neighbourhood that sets the highest standards for strong design, sustainable development and economic viability,” said Howald. “We are aiming to provide an appropriate mix of uses in housing, employment and amenities, while making sure there are significant natural features and public spaces.”
The Crown corporation has backed off a previous $500,000 master plan that aimed to create a model of environmental sustainability and contemporary urban design.
After the Nov. 26 meeting, there will be two more public meetings. A community design plan will be presented for feedback next spring.
After going through the municipal planning process, CLC will put in roads and the services, then sell serviced lots to builders.
The former base is bounded by Montreal Road to the south, Rockcliffe Parkway to the north, Blair Road to the east and Aviation Parkway to the west. It is prime development land, just 5.5 kilometres east of Parliament Hill.
The base is surrounded by residential communities: Rothwell Heights to the east, Fairhaven and Thorncliffe Village to the south, and Manor Park, Rockcliffe Park and Vanier to the west.
CLC has launched a website at www.clcrockcliffe.ca for news and information about the project.
By Maria Cook, Ottawa Citizen
Source: Ottawacitizen.com