Ottawa Planning Committee OKs Dream LeBreton towers plan
The City of Ottawa is one step closer to approving the construction of more than 600 units of residential apartment space in its LeBreton Flats neighbourhood.
Its Planning Committee approved Official Plan and zoning amendments in late October for two towers on the site, promising nearly 250 affordable apartments near the Pimisi light rail station. The development proposal also includes retail space, a community hub, a daycare and parkette space.
At 31 and 36 storeys, the two towers would include 601 apartments, 41 per cent of which would be offered at affordable rental rates, well above the goal outlined in the City’s Official Plan of encouraging 25 per cent of all new housing in LeBreton Flats to be affordable.
The ground floor of the west tower will be comprised of retail space along with a community hub, a residential lounge area, and the residential lobby and supportive services. The eastern tower will also include retail space and residential services on the ground floor along with a bike shop and community hub, and daycare lobby and entrance.
Known as the Library Parcel, the property at 665 Albert Street would be the first developed under the new LeBreton Flats Master Concept Plan. Recently completed by the National Capital Commission, that plan calls for development with significant affordable and accessible housing that also employs zero-carbon, sustainable construction. The approved development is also targeting net zero emissions, in alignment with the plan.
The proposal is being led by a group called the Dream LeBreton Partnership, which involves Dream Asset Management, Dream Impact Trust and local non-profit MultiFaith Housing Initiative,
“Our vision for the Library Parcel exemplifies how we can meaningfully address the country’s affordability crisis while creating inclusive spaces that push the envelope on sustainability,” said Justin Robitaille, VP development of Dream Asset Management, in the announcement Thursday. “We’re proud to work alongside like-minded partners, including MultiFaith Housing Initiative, the National Capital Commission and the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation, to deliver a community that’s deeply rooted in a mission of positive impact.”
If the proposal is approved by Ottawa City Council, construction could start as early as next year.