Hundreds give enthusiastic reception to Domtar lands plan
Windmill Developments holds first in series of public consultations
By Robert Sibley, OTTAWA CITIZEN December 11, 2013 11:00 PM
OTTAWA — If enthusiasm in the present provides a hint of the future, then Ottawans might well have a “world-class” project on their collective hands in the proposed redevelopment of Chaudière island and other river-area properties.
Between 300 and 400 people crowded into a Museum of Civilization salon — the River View salon, appropriately enough — on Wednesday evening heard the representatives of Windmill Development Group outline what its plans to do with 37 acres of Domtar’s mostly abandoned industrial land in the Ottawa River and along the Quebec shoreline in Gatineau.
The developer signed a purchase deal agreement last week to buy the lands from Domtar. Wednesday’s gathering was billed as the first of a series of consultations to solicit ideas and feedback about the project, including what it should be named.
“We’re here to dream what a world-class community on the Ottawa River could look like,” said company managing partner Jonathan Weisteinde. “This is one of the most important (development) sites in the region, if not in the country.
“We will not have another opportunity like this in the heart of Ottawa.”
The remarks received sustained applause.
Ottawa energy consultant Michael Wiggins probably expressed the majority view in saying Ottawans have waited a long time for the Domtar lands to be redeveloped.
“They (Windmill) are undertaking to build a whole new community right in the middle of Ottawa,” Wiggins said. “This will change the way people look at Ottawa.”
Mark Holzman, a former sustained-community researcher with Central Housing and Mortgage Corp., echoed that sentiment. Noting the size of the turnout, he said: “A lot of people have eyed this land for a long time and are glad to see something happening with it. When you look around the world, the most successful redevelopment projects are those that respond to what people want. They (Windmill) have a great track record and a great idea.”
Certainly, there are still a few hurdles for Windmill to jump. The land purchase is conditional on the site’s being rezoned from its current industrial classification to a mixed-use, community-scale development.
The developer’s initial proposals for the land have received support from the mayors of both Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as from the National Capital Commission. Nevertheless, it could take up to a year to satisfy the zoning requirements of the two cities.
Perhaps, though, the biggest hurdle is a thumbs up from the aboriginal community. The Chaudière and Albert islands have been referred to as the cradle of Canadian history, given their proximity to Parliament Hill and their influence on Canada’s early economic development, but they are also a significant, centuries-old site for aboriginals.
Architect Douglas Cardinal attended Wednesday’s event. While supportive of the project, he also said it had to take into account the view of aboriginals who regard the area as sacred ground.
“They are very responsible developers and they are willing to consult with the community,” said Cardinal, the architect responsible for designing the Museum of Civilization. “The challenge, of course, is this (area) was a spiritual centre for the First Nations. They (the developers) must be responsive to those concerns.”
Are aboriginals’ views a make-or-break issue for the project? “I think so,” said Cardinal.
Westeinde acknowledged those concerns, saying the company would not neglect First Nations’ concerns. He pointed out that as part of its due diligence Windmill has already consulted with interested parties, including the Algonquins of Ontario and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg band of Algonquins. Both groups have been positive in their responses to the company’s plans, he said.
The general public response has been more than supportive.
“I’m very happy with the response we’re getting,” Westeinde said, describing the feedback variously as ranging from “‘very excited’” and “‘it’s about time’” to “‘it’s a ashamed this hasn’t been accessible sooner’” and “‘it’ll be nice to have access to the waterfront.’”
If Ottawans need models for the kind of project Windmill has in mind, they might look at Calgary’s Dockside Green development, the Distillery District in Toronto, or Vancouver’s Granville Island development. All have high standards as “complete communities,” Westeinde said. “We’re going out of our way to do our homework so we can bring those lessons here.”
Earlier this year, in a presentation to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Windmill outlined its plans for the area — everything from waterfront restaurants, and public parks to a mix of low-rise, highrise and affordable housing and the refurbishment of some of the islands’ heritage buildings. The idea with the latter is to create various historical installations honouring the area’s logging and industrial history.
Windmill plans to extend its community consultation effort to include soliciting public input on what to name the would-be community, so far referred to as The Isles. In about a month the developer will set up website where people can make their ideas known.
“We’ll see if we can arrive at a name that works that has also got some public consensus behind it,” said Westeinde. “There are some great First Nations’ names we could use.”
rsibley@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/robert_sibley
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I imagine I'll see you all there!
), working closely with Aboriginal communities and heritage groups, aiming for solid and attainable urbanism goals (minimum 90 walkscore, mixed use, concentration on the public sphere, not building with a car-first approach) and being really open and transparent about the process, the challenges and generally everything. 
Oh no... not Pimisi all over again.
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