About 130 residents in Old Ottawa East packed the amphitheatre at St.Paul University Thursday as a development plan for the area was unveiled.
The open house was held to discuss development of 12 hectares of land in Rideau Gardens near Main St. between the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River.
The Oblate Fathers and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart are selling the land and zoning rules are in the works for the site.
“I think one of the major concerns is to be sure that the river access is kept for everybody and it doesn’t end up with houses backing onto it and becoming private,” said Judi Reid.
Five multi-storey buildings at the river are part of the plans.
“It doesn’t fit. It’s very dense and it doesn’t blend in with the rest of the community,” said Charles Glennie, who’s lived in the area for more than 50 years.
Development is expected to take place over five to 10 years.
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2011/03/10/17574751.html
Kelly Roche - Storyteller 