'Grotesque' Chteau Laurier addition clears final hurdle

The hugely controversial addition to the historic Chteau Laurier hotel can go ahead, Ottawa's planning committee voted Thursday.

Several city councillorssaid they dislike the hotel addition's modernist design, and said theirinboxesare full of emails from frustrated residents who also detest it.Nevertheless, the committee approved the site plan by a vote of 8-3.

"It is their property, no matter how much you dislike [thedesign]," said Coun. Rick Chiarelli, who questioned why the National Capital Commission, Parks Canada or other federal agencies hadn't stepped in.

The design has been modified five times in the three years since it was first proposed, and has been reduced in height from 11 storeysto seven.

City council had already approved the more critical heritage permit last June. At the time, council told the architectto include more limestone and better reflect the shape of the existing Chteau Laurier's windows. The city'schief planner, Steve Willis, has saidthose conditions havebeen met.

• Chteau Laurier architects unwilling to make 'significant' alterations to latest design
• ANALYSIS | Don't like the Chteau Laurier addition? Blame your councillor

On Wednesday, Coun. Mathieu Fleury tried to convince citycouncil to revisit theheritage permit, but council refused. Fleury said he'lltry again in the coming weeks.

Ottawa's head planning lawyer, Tim Marc, said going down that road would landthe city in court with Larco.

With its site plan now approved, all that's left forowner Larco Investments to do is to obtain a couple of minor approvals from the NCC and the city's committee of adjustment.

Proposed Chteau Laurier addition still a 'travesty,' critics say

5 years ago

Duration 1:38

Despite a chorus of opposition from residents, Ottawa's planning committee approved the proposed addition to the Chteau Laurier in an 8-3 vote.

Addition a 'desecration'

Speakers at Thursday's meeting didn't mince words.

Former cabinet minister David Collenette called the addition a "desecration" and a "travesty which vandalizes a national historic site."

The Chteau is fire. The addition is water. The two are locked in a struggle to cancel each other out.- Peter Coffman, architectural historian

Architectural historian Peter Coffman said the design is completely incompatible with the historic hotel.

"In place of romance and playfulness, we have straight lines, right angles and mathematical precision. The Chteau is fire. The addition is water. The two are locked in a struggle to cancel each other out," said Coffman, who also called the design "grotesque."

Shawn Barberof the CentretownCitizens Community Association said the public intuitively understands thatdisconnect, too.

"Listen to the radio call-in shows, look at social media, read letters to the editor," he said."Rarely will you find the public so united on an issue as opposition to this proposal."

The architects for Larco Investments called the addition an essential project that needs to move ahead so the hotel can compete with others in the city.