Ottawa Planning Committee Proceeds With Highrise Despite Lost Public Comments

The Ottawa Planning and Housing Committee will move forward with a highrise development project at the intersection of MacLaren and O’Connor streets despite a city administrative failure. The development, proposed by Taggart Realty, consists of two towers reaching 27 and 25 storeys with a total of 513 units.

Jeff Leiper, chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, stated he would not rescind the April 22 proposal approval, even after the city admitted an IT issue involving a staff member's email account prevented online submissions from 39 residents from being recorded or forwarded. During a July 8 meeting, residents and the Centretown Community Association raised concerns regarding mobility access and traffic safety.

Somerset Councillor Ariel Troster apologized for the communication failure and questioned the adequacy of the feedback report. City officials, including General Manager Marcia Wallace and planning services director Derrick Moodie, indicated that the city is investigating the IT error. Wallace noted that future requirements, including heritage permits and site planning, still offer opportunities for the community to address concerns before the project proceeds.