Condo proposal raises traffic concerns, 241 units would add to Westboro woes, residents say

Posted Jan 19, 2012 By Kristy Wallace

EMC news - Westboro residents had the opportunity to learn more about a proposed development for a site across Richmond Road from the Real Canadian Superstore at a public forum held on Jan. 11.

The building, which would be at 175 Richmond Rd., would be nine storeys tall at its highest point as proposed, with townhouses varying in height attached at the back. Along the Richmond Road frontage, there would also be commercial space.

Gary Ludington of the Westboro Community Association said one of the biggest concerns that came out of the meeting was traffic issues, with 241 units being proposed as part of the development.

"The traffic engineers said there was no impact, which was disputed by a number of people," said Ludington. "The general consensus was there was a concern. We already have failing intersections on Richmond and Wellington, and we're beyond the predicted population of 2021. The explosion of Richmond Road has brought us traffic issues."

Another development for the burgeoning area would mean more failing intersections on Richmond Road, Ludington said.

Kitchissippi Coun. Katherine Hobbs was also at the meeting and said residents brought up very understandable concerns, including those regarding traffic.

"Traffic is always an issue," said Hobbs, adding that height was also brought up since the site is zoned for seven storeys. She also said that another concern brought up was townhouses that would come close to homes on Clifton Road which is a residential street nestled between Richmond Road and Scott Street.

However, she said the developer, Claridge Homes, is proposing landscaping and walls to help ensure privacy.

"The building won't be right in their backyard," said Hobbs, adding that shadowing was another concern for some residents and the developer was willing to help accommodate neighbours' concerns. "There was a lot of respectful discourse from both sides."

Hobbs said she's looking forward to continuing to work with both the developer and community.

"I'm really very supportive of process that's happened on this," she said. "We've had good sessions so far, and a good one-on-one with the community. It was a good, solid meeting."

For more information, visit the city's website at www.ottawa.ca or Hobbs' website www.ourkitchissippi.ca .

kristy.wallace@metroland.com