Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa’s planning and housing committee has unanimously approved zoning amendments for two major developments, including a sprawling indoor water park in Kanata and a 32-storey residential high-rise in Hintonburg.
The recommendations will go to the City Council for final consideration on Sept. 9.
The committee approved a zoning amendment for a year-round destination recreational facility southwest of Highway 417 and Palladium Drive, a project the city has identified as a high-impact economic development expected to create jobs and bolster local tourism.
Planning documents filed with the city indicate the project is expected to generate 445 jobs during construction and approximately 270 full-time equivalent positions once operational.
The application was submitted by Palladium Resort Development Limited Partnership. McRobie Architects and Interior Designers designed the facility, while JFSA Canada Inc. acted as the planning consultant providing the rationale.
The proposed complex at 2775 and 2785 Palladium Dr. includes:
- A 13,379-sq. m. indoor aquatic and entertainment facility featuring waterslides that will exit and re-enter the main glass building.
- A family entertainment centre and a 1,011-sq. m. restaurant.
- A seven-storey hotel with 236 rooms.
- A surface parking lot with 704 spaces.
340 Parkdale Ave. and the Carleton Tavern
The committee also approved Official Plan and zoning amendments to permit a high-density mixed-use development at 340 Parkdale Ave., located near Tunney’s Pasture Station.
Taggart Realty Management is leading the development. Stantec Consulting Ltd. and Hobin Architecture served as the engineering, planning, and design consultants.
The approved plan allows for 386 new homes near rapid transit, scaled down from an initial proposal of 465 units. The development features a 32-storey residential tower resting on a five-to-six-storey base. To mitigate the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood, the tower portion will be located toward the northwest of the site, keeping it as far as possible from nearby low-rise homes.
The project will require the demolition of the existing Carleton Tavern on the block southwest of Parkdale Avenue and Spencer Street. According to structural engineering reviews submitted with the application, preserving the 1896 structure during the required deep excavation was deemed unfeasible due to the building’s age, structural deterioration, and the need for significant site remediation to address groundwater contamination.
Instead, a new two-storey commercial building will be constructed on the site, designed to reflect the architectural character of the existing tavern. Future development on the site must include both the replacement building and a public plaza for residents and visitors, alongside space for shops and services.
Ottawa’s housing progress
The committee meeting also provided a mid-year update on the city’s homebuilding activity. During the first half of 2026, Ottawa approved nearly 6,100 new homes, issued permits for more than 5,800 homes, and recorded over 4,100 housing starts.
City Council has committed to supporting the construction of 151,000 market homes by 2031. Since tracking began in January 2023, the city has provided land-use approvals for more than 74,000 new homes, representing over 49 per cent of the homes needed to meet the 2031 goal.
Since the start of 2026, the committee has recommended land-use permissions that would support nearly 3,400 new homes. If the land-use permissions recommended at this meeting are approved by council, developers will be able to seek building permits for an additional 386 homes.
