The City of Ottawa’s Planning Committee approved a heritage permit for the seven-storey addition proposed at the rear of the Château Laurier hotel.
Ottawa could soon see the start of development on five high-rises next to the Pimisi light-rail-transit station. The committee approved official plan and zoning amendments to permit this multi-phase project that proposes five towers between 25 and 45 storeys, east of Booth St.
The Château Laurier is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. The planning committee approved the permit, conditional on further design revisions through the site plan process, as recommended by the City’s Built Heritage Sub-committee.
“The latest design is lower than any previous versions and makes greater use of limestone and bronze to reflect the materials of the historic hotel,” according to a statement from the city.
The plan calls for a variety of apartment sizes, affordable housing, and a child care facility, as well as a range of commercial uses, including restaurants and a grocery store. Once fully built, the development would feature approximately 1,600 households.
The committee approved a seven-storey residential building on the east side of Bank St., between Fourth and Fifth avenues. The existing site features two-storey commercial units fronting onto Bank St. that were developed in the late 1800s, as well as a 1980s-era rear addition. The new residential building will retain the storefronts along Bank Street, recognizing their heritage value.
