Wateridge Village development [Hemlock Rd, Codd's Rd] | U/C

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Deal clears way for Rockcliffe sale: MP

By KELLY ROCHE, Ottawa Sun

Last Updated: March 18, 2011 8:37pm

. The redevelopment of the former CFB Rockcliffe site could be back on the table sooner than later after a four-year stall.

The Algonquins of Ontario have agreed to a financial settlement, clearing the way for the project, according to Ottawa-Vanier MP Mauril Belanger.

Just how much money they’re receiving isn’t known.

An Algonquin land claim dispute has been blocking the sale of the lucrative 126-hectare property —worth almost $30 million several years ago — from the Department of National Defence to the Canada Lands Company since 2007.

Belanger told the Sun he learned about the agreement three weeks ago when he went to Golden Lake to meet Chief Kirby Whiteduck of the Pikwekanagan First Nation.

But the Algonquins’ lead negotiator said “it would be a bit premature,” to call it a done deal.

“There has been an agreement reached between the CLC, DND, and the Algonquins with respect to the ultimate development of the property,” said Robert Potts, principal negotiator and senior legal counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario.

He said all parties were “very pleased” and the redevelopment will be sensitive to Algonquin interests and culture.

“There will be some commercial value as well,” Potts said.

Potts said he thinks the situation “will be a win-win.”

The old air force base near the Ottawa River once housed about 500 military families and was decommissioned in 1994, after almost 100 years of service.

The site — originally slated to close in 2011— was shut down on July 31, 2009. Chosen as one of the six original Canadian airfields, the base was sealed off in fall 2009 as demolition began.

The Sun’s calls to DND to confirm the resolution were referred to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

“There’s no settlement yet, no update,” said Genevieve Guibert, spokeswoman for INAC. “It’s still ongoing.”

Guibert referred back to a statement sent from INAC to the Sun, outlining a memorandum of understanding between Canada and the Algonquins of Ontario signed last September.

The MOU allows the future transfer of the Rockcliffe lands from DND to the CLC and will “enable the Algonquins to take advantage of future economic development opportunities on the Rockcliffe redevelopment site.”

When a final claim settlement is signed, “Canada will provide the Algonquins with financial resources enabling them to participate in the redevelopment of the site and benefit from future economic activity in the area,” the statement reads.

The site is one of Ottawa’s biggest brownfields and is close to Parliament Hill.

Geographically speaking, the site is “definitely worth a lot of money,” said Rick Seguin from Pigeon-Roy Real Estate Advisory Group.

Seguin, a commercial real estate appraiser, said because so many levels of government are involved in the project it’s hard to put a value on the land and factors such as zoning and intensification complicate things.

About five years ago, public consultations were held by the CLC.

One project, dubbed Rockcliffe Landing, saw the creation of 4,500 to 5,000 housing units, stores and offices in eight neighbourhoods.

Potts said he thinks the situation “will be a win-win.”

kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca

Coukld have quite an impact on Ottawa if this goes ahead. A lot of new residnts not far from the downtown core.

[McC]

the original concept plans looked really good too. Not for the first time, I think we'll regret having cancelled plans to send rapid transit out that way.

[Norman Bates]

The original redevelopment plan can be seen in this thread:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140088

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by McC

the original concept plans looked really good too. Not for the first time, I think we'll regret having cancelled plans to send rapid transit out that way.

I still wonder about the implications for Hemlock/Beechwood of this development. It would seem to me that they are going to have to be widened to carry the increased traffic, but I have never seen any mention of it.

[lrt's friend]

I have to agree with McC. Another mistake in developing our revised Transportation Master Plan. It was like those involved in developing the new plan believed that there was no wisdom in the previous plan. Maybe this will limit the amount of intensification that can be implemented on the site to avoid overwhelming all the roads in the area. Our plans to make it a transit oriented community are going to be limited by the current TMP. That will be a sad turn of events.

Our efforts to create a transit oriented suburb have already been destroyed. It looks like the same for one of the few urban locations that we can develop from scratch. Larry O'Brien's legacy will last for generations.

[ThePlanner]

On a positive note, Montreal Road is still identified as a high-level transit corridor, allowing for TOD nearby. Very dense development occurring along Montreal Road may mean that while the train won't roll down Montreal Road in the near future, it'll increase demand for it in the longer-term future.

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

looks like a land claims settlement will be signed very soon and this project can then proceed.

By KELLY ROCHE, Ottawa Sun

Last Updated: March 24, 2011 2:53pm

A $10 million settlement to the Algonquins of Ontario is in the works for the former CFB Rockcliffe site, the Sun has learned.

According to a preliminary participation agreement obtained by the Sun — which outlines the terms of the settlement but is unsigned — the federal government will pay the Algonquins $10 million for the rights to the land.

The amount was confirmed by Robert Potts, principal negotiator and senior legal counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario.

“It’s a piece of the overall puzzle,” said Potts.

The Department of National Defence was in the process of selling the 126-hectare property to the Canada Lands Company in 2007 but that came to a halt when an Algonquin land claim surfaced four years ago.

Potts said creating a modern-day treaty 200 years later has never been done in Ontario and is a unique process requiring careful deliberation.

“We’re endeavouring to reach an agreement in principle,” said Potts.

“It’s a very complicated, very detailed piece.”

Plans for redevelopment at Rockcliffe would begin soon after the transfer from DND to the CLC is finalized.

Once that happens, “the city will have a fairly significant say in what happens there,” said Ottawa-Vanier MP Mauril Belanger.

And public consultations would be part of that.

Several years ago, plans surfaced for a mixed use development with eight sections encompassing 4,500 to 5,000 housing units, stores and offices.

Starting prices for single-family homes in the posh North Ottawa neighbourhood were estimated at $1 million.

Roughly 10,000 to 15,000 people could call the former air force base home.

Belanger said he wants to see a plan for sustainability to avoid creating a bedroom community.

Citing the proximity of employment at the National Research Council facility, Belanger is hoping to see more jobs in the area.

“If you don’t have jobs in this community, everybody’s going to get in their cars and go to work,” he said.

Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Peter Clark — in whose ward the former base sits — said he’d like the Rockcliffe site to be as self-contained as possible.

That will be one of the challenges as developers bid for the project.

“There may not be anyone who can step to the plate and buy it all,” said Innes Coun. Rainer Bloess, who sits on the city’s planning committee.

Urban planning will play a key role and Clark said transportation studies will be done to demonstrate the new development will not be a burden on the existing community.

Bloess said the community will put “a new stamp or new face on Ottawa

[rakerman]

Originally Posted by ThePlanner

On a positive note, Montreal Road is still identified as a high-level transit corridor, allowing for TOD nearby. Very dense development occurring along Montreal Road may mean that while the train won't roll down Montreal Road in the near future, it'll increase demand for it in the longer-term future.

In the meantime they've made the NRC campus actually less transit-oriented. A fence now blocks the pathway that led to the Ogilvie street crossing to get to Blair Station, and the 190 local bus to the Transitway is being eliminated. As far as I can tell the only real way left to get to Blair Station now (which is supposed to become the east end of the LRT) is to take the 12 eastbound.

Plus which both the existing CSIS and the coming CSE building have hundreds of units of surface parking, probably at least 1000 spaces altogether, despite being a 5 minute walk from the Transitway.

[reidjr]

Canada Lands Company Confirms Acquisition of Landmark Site in Ottawa
Current Size: 100%


Source: Canada Lands Company
Location: Toronto, Ontario

May 9, 2011 -- Canada Lands Company CLC Limited (CLC) today confirmed that it has acquired the 310-acre (125 hectares) former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe in Ottawa, Ontario, which it purchased from the Department of National Defence (DND). The sale was made possible after discussions and cooperation among DND, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) and CLC.



“This transaction has its complexities requiring much work and partnerships between many parties in order to arrive at where we are today. CLC is very pleased with the outcome and the opportunity to work with the City of Ottawa and its citizens, the development industry and the AOO to realize a signature redevelopment project in the National Capital Region”, said CLC President and CEO Mark Laroche.



CLC and the AOO have entered into a Participation Agreement, the core commercial element of which is a commitment on the part of CLC to offer certain blocks or lots for sale to the AOO at their fair market value up to an aggregate value of ten million dollars representing part of an anticipated Treaty settlement which is pending. This offering will occur after all planning approvals are in place and as phases of the redevelopment are rolled out by CLC.



The acquisition of development lands by the AOO represents a business opportunity for the AOO as well as an opportunity to incorporate within the development cultural and historical messages important to the Algonquins. Any land acquired and developed by the AOO will comply with the approved plan and all design or sustainability guidelines imposed by CLC on builders. This agreement represents a win-win solution for all parties, and enabled the acquisition and the planning and development of the property to move forward.



The site is located on an escarpment in the eastern part of the city. It boasts panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau hills and sight lines to the Peace Tower.



The property has deep roots as a former military site. In 1899, the Department of National Defence established the Rockcliffe Rifle Range. Many Canadian soldiers received their training at Rockcliffe. From the 1920s onward, the base's main vocation was military aviation. All DND activities on the site ended in 2009.



The company will now undertake a development process of the site, beginning with assembling a team of professionals. CLC looks forward to renewed consultations with the community and the City to create a vibrant mixed-used sustainable neighbourhood. More will be said about this as CLC’s development team and the consultation process takes shape over the coming months.



CLC is an arm’s length and self-financing federal Crown corporation. The company purchases federal properties at fair market value, and then improves and sells them to optimize the financial and community value. The company also owns and manages select properties such as the CN Tower, in Toronto. To learn more, please visit www.clc.ca.

[harls]

Originally Posted by Norman Bates

The original redevelopment plan can be seen in this thread:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140088

I've merged the threads together now.

[rocketphish]

and Canada Lands has also reactivated their webpage for this project:

http://www.clc.ca/properties/rockcliffe

[McC]

short update in the citizen

CFB Rockcliffe cleared for redevelopment
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
By Ian MacLeod, The Ottawa Citizen
Panoramic view from the Montreal Road access Road to the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe. OTTAWA — Canada Lands Company has purchased the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe.

“This transaction has its complexities requiring much work and partnerships between many parties in order to arrive at where we are today. CLC is very pleased with the outcome and the opportunity to work with the City of Ottawa and its citizens, the development industry and the (Algonquins of Ontario) to realize a signature redevelopment project in the National Capital Region,” company chief executive Mark Laroche said in a statement.

The reported $27.2-million purchase from the Department of National Defence was made possible with the settlement earlier this year between the Algonquins of Ontario and the federal government, which paid the band $10 million.

The Algonquins are also to have a say in the development of the 126-hectare property by Canada Lands Company, the Crown corporation that disposes of surplus federal property.

The property has deep roots as a former military site. In 1899, DND established the Rockcliffe Rifle Range. Many Canadian soldiers received their training at Rockcliffe. From the 1920s onward, the base’s main vocation was military aviation. All DND activities on the site ended in 2009.

The company says it is planning to build “a vibrant mixed-used sustainable neighbourhood.” No other details were offered.

[waterloowarrior]

CLC will be revisting the plan this fall

After a public open house in the fall, there will be two more public meetings. By the second and third meetings, at the end of 2012 and in spring of 2013, a community design plan will be presented for feedback.
After going through the municipal planning process, CLC will put in roads and the services and then sell serviced lots to builders.

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/busines...#ixzz1xObpt9BO

[gjhall]

Update from the CLC, advertised in yesterday's Citizen as well:

CANADA LANDS COMPANY LAUNCHES ROCKCLIFFE REDEVELOPMENT IN OTTAWA

OTTAWA November 8, 2012 — Canada’s capital is one step closer to having a new and world class urban community just a few kilometres from Parliament Hill. After much anticipation, Canada Lands Company CLC Limited (CLC), owner since 2011 of the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe, announced today the renewal of planning and public consultation for the redevelopment of the property, which will begin with a community Ideas Fair slated for Monday, November 26, at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

“Rockcliffe represents one of the most significant community building opportunities in Ottawa”, said Robert Howald, Senior Vice President of Real Estate at Canada Lands Company.

This project is moving forward thanks to the collaboration of the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO), and the Participation Agreement struck between the AOO and CLC. The Agreement provides for ongoing consultation throughout the planning and development process as well as commemoration of Algonquin heritage and economic participation.

“We are pleased to participate with CLC in this exciting project which will celebrate the Algonquin presence in the Nation’s Capital while contributing to the economic vitality of the region,” said Robert J. Potts, Principal Negotiator and Senior Legal Counsel for the Algonquins of Ontario.

In keeping with CLC’s commitment to commemorating the legacy of its significant sites, CLC will honour the important military history as well as the First Nations heritage and legacy of the land.

“CLC is excited by the potential of this site as one of the city’s most promising canvases. We want to build a neighbourhood that the entire City of Ottawa can be proud of and we look forward to working with the community to help us create it”, CLC Senior VP Robert Howald added.

The company has just completed building its project team. Leading the development process for this property is CLC’s real estate director for Rockcliffe Don Schultz. “We have put in place a strong development team that is very committed to this project’s success. These individuals will all be on hand at the Ideas Fair”, said Mr. Schultz.

To keep Ottawans informed, CLC also launched a brand new website - www.clcrockcliffe.ca – which will provide the latest news and information about the site, consultation process and events.

“We want to develop an innovative neighbourhood that sets the highest standards for strong design, sustainable development and economic viability,” said Mr. Howald. “We are aiming to provide an appropriate mix of uses in housing, employment and amenities, while making sure there are significant natural features and public spaces”.

Unique Opportunity

Situated close to Ottawa’s urban core, the 310-acre (125-hectare) site at Rockcliffe is a unique opportunity to integrate a large, former military base into its surrounding community. Building off the most recent best practices in community planning and principles of sustainable development that have led to award-winning projects in Chilliwack, Edmonton and Calgary, CLC promises to develop a progressive community that will add to the vibrancy of Ottawa, and will honour Rockcliffe’s past while guiding it firmly into the future.

The Ideas Fair will be held from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature presentations at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., along with interactive stations where the public can speak with project team members throughout the evening.

For more information about CLC’s Rockcliffe redevelopment and community consultation events, please visit www.clcrockcliffe.ca.

About CLC

CLC is a federal Crown corporation that optimizes the financial and community value obtained from surplus strategic properties no longer required by the Government of Canada. The company is self-financing and implements innovative, sustainable property solutions to create strong and competitive communities wherever it operates.

-30-

For more information:

Manon Lapensée
Canada Lands Company
416-952-6112
mlapensee@clc.ca

[waterloowarrior]

new project team... http://www.clcrockcliffe.ca/en/content/project-team

no more Ken Greenberg/KPMG

[lrt's friend]

Where will the Transitway corridor be built through the project? Ottawa has pretty well given up on LRT before we have even started building the first line. Note the recent news that for all intents and purposes, North-South LRT will never be built. Bring on more Transitways. For all the negative comments about Clive Doucet, he was so right that the 2008 TMP was a bus plan.

[rakerman]

Not much on the site, the only info I could find is in the FAQ

http://www.clcrockcliffe.ca/en/content/faq-0

and in Development Strategy:

The urban design and landscape architecture concept for Rockcliffe is expected to create a vision for the future community character, including:

• open space, parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and urban squares
• pathways and cycling paths to connect neighbourhoods within Rockcliffe to the surrounding communities and Ottawa’s overall Greenspace Network
• street plans and streetscapes
• development blocks and land use patterns
• mix of housing types and appropriate densities
• local commercial, retail, and employment uses
• built form and building types
• improved links to existing and planned urban transportation networks and the communities surrounding the site

It's quite far from the Transitway (future LRT at Blair) - it would need a good connector bus (or a tram) to connect into the rapid transit system (which the NRC campus used to have in the 190 bus, but no longer does). Either that or everyone will have to take the 12, which is a slow route.

Other than this item in the FAQ it's not clear how much of the ambitious sustainable community vision they will retain

Q: “Sustainable development was a high priority the last time you consulted the public. Will you be abandoning that emphasis on sustainability this time around?”
A: CLC will maintain the over-arching philosophies and broad principles of sustainable development that the public has supported in previous consultations. Throughout the Rockcliffe Community Design Plan process, CLC will strive to attain sustainability goals by re-examining, updating, and testing previous and current planning concepts and designs in relation to environmental, social, economic, urban planning, and infrastructure approaches.

Ken Greenberg described the previous plan as "a showcase diverse sustainable community"

Little bit of the old design still here: http://www.pfs.bc.ca/html_proj/proj_community.shtml?01

For another retro blast, here's the 2006 CDP Terms of Reference info from Council

http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa...M-POL-0076.htm

And the 2006 Citizen feature about Rockcliffe is available as PDF online. Lots of detail. Very ambitious.

http://www.raic.org/honours_and_awar...ishlessons.pdf

(it won the 2006 President's Award for Architectural Journalism from Architecture Canada)

[c_speed3108]

They mentioned in one article I read that the density would need to be much lower as they are far away from LRT now.

They also said they are working with two scenarios....bridge and no bridge.

It might be interesting to design a new bus route that would run from Blair, up Bathgate to La Cite, then follow Dan Haag, Carson's, Codds, whatever in the development, Hemlock, Beechwood and into downtown.

They could also extend the "bike transitway" which is slated to end at St. Laurent and Hemlock into this development, with a possible link to the NCC river path system and/or back out onto Montreal Rd

[Dado]

Somehow, I can't help but think that any plan to put a tram or LRT line down Rideau and Montréal would have led to massive opposition (both residents and businesses), especially west of St. Laurent Blvd.

Such a line wouldn't directly serve most of the former base anyway; an alignment via King Edward, St. Patrick, Beechwood and Hemlock would (and would be easier to construct as well) but I'm sure it too would run into a mass of opposition.

Given the bizarre original proposal for Rockcliffe and that it wouldn't have been directly served by LRT anyway, perhaps the various cancellations were a blessing in disguise. There's still an opportunity to plan for a true TOD community based around a Beechwood-Hemlock alignment

[J.OT13]

Seems to me that this is not the time for more master plans. Between government cuts and countless other plans/projects (Lansdowne, Le Breton, East TOD, Carling-Bayview TOD, Tunney’s...) and of course the lack of any sort of transit plans on the Montreal Road corridor (buses are an OK, cheap answer, trams would be expensive, no faster than buses and probably would not have much more capacity).

Leave CFB Rockliffe alone for a few more decades until we have all other important pieces in place.