Vacant and derelict buildings tear holes in our communities. They harm our economy, reduce our safety and set us back in making our city a great place to live. In Ottawa, lax bylaws fail to offer many incentives to property owners to redevelop or restore their empty and boarded-up buildings.

A report from the Canada Green Building Council reveals energy performance data from 700 buildings across the country, but more such information is needed for benchmarking purposes.

City councilors voted on zoning amendments and official plan changes to allow construction of a huge mixed-use development.

The pilot project at Yonge and Eglinton aims to minimize construction disruptions and improve public safety.