Developer wants extra height for Orlans towers

Developer Brigil is proposing four new highrises along the Ottawa River inOrlans, arguing their proximity to a future light rail station warrants extra height.

Brigilhas submitted an application to build four more towers at its Petrie's Landing I development, the highest of which would reach 32storeys.

If approved, the new towers would surround an existing one built a decade ago and a second building that's currently under construction.

With nearby Trim Road slated to be the eastern terminus of Stage 2 LRTin 2022, the proposal falls in line with the City of Ottawa's goal to increase density aroundfuture light rail stations

Extra height

In a design brief submitted with its application, Brigildescribes the cluster of towers asa landmarkthat will signal the start of Ottawa's urban area for anyone arriving from the east.

Brigilis asking for extra height on each of the four new towers, but the biggest increase would be for the connected pair on the west side of the site.

At 32-storeys, one tower would stand158 metreseven though current zoning allows for just 101 metres. Brigil would like itsmate to be 22 storeys, or 26 metres higher than what's currently allowed.

It would be a shame to seeLRTopen its doors to an empty field.- Coun. Bob Monette

The city planner in charge of the file is accepting comments from the publicuntil Nov. 23.

The filewill then go to planning committee in December or January, after the new city council is sworn in, and will fall toincoming councillor Matt Luloff.

Big dreams for Trim Road

The residential piece is only one part of the puzzle for outgoing Coun. Bob Monette, who sees thewhole area aroundPetrieIsland and Trim Road evolving by the timelight rail arrives.

Specifically, he worked to change the official plan in the area to allow for a commercial andemployment node beside the Cit Collgiale satellite site.

"That's been my No. 1priority. It would be a shame to seeLRTopen its doors to an empty field," Monette said.

Brigileven has a concept plan with a few office towers, retail and a convention centre.

Monette saidhe'sworked non-stop with other levels of government to try to entice a major employer to the site, ideally the federal government.But, as he ends his time on council, he's yet to land the jobs at Trim Road that could help residents work within their community.

"One building can start this off, and until you build the first one, it's always only a dream," he said.