What's next for the controversial Chteau Laurier addition?

Criticsopposing theproposed addition to the Chteau Laurier hotel in Ottawa say their fight is not over, and federal representatives say they're interested in reopening talks with its owner to make further changes.

City council this week upheld last year's heritage approval for a new wing atthe national historic site overlooking Major's Hill Park, despite some fierce political manoeuvringover two days.

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Now that Larco Investments has city approval for its heritage permit and site plan, it needs only to clearfurther minor approvals at the city's committee of adjustment and the National Capital Commission (NCC).

The consultant for the company hadindicated last month thatLarco would like to start construction latethisyear.

NCC, MP weigh in

But aftercity council settled the issue, the NCC's board and the senior federal MP for the region both said Thursday they want to work with Larco.

The NCC has said its legislation gives itno role in the design of a private building, but the hotel does need the commission'sapproval forlandscaping and lighting where the addition meets Major's Hill Park.

"In its discussions in the weeks and months ahead, the NCC will urge the proponent to be open to finding solutions and approaches that take into account the historic setting of the Chteau Laurier and its important role in defining the Capital experience," the NCC board said in a statement.

Ottawa Centre MP Catherine McKenna the minister in charge ofParks Canada, which is responsible for national historic sites saidthecompanycould come up with another design and she would work with it.

"Ultimately it's within the jurisdiction of the city.But, I say this as a practical person,I think we all recognize we can do better," McKenna said.

Mayor reflects on 3-year decision

But the mayorspoke with the hotel's owner Tuesdayon the eve of the council debate, and came away deciding any future negotiationswould be futile.

According to Jim Watson, the hotel's owner,Amin Lalji,was respectful and aware of thepublic backlash, but felt his company had done everything City Hall asked overthree years,and the fifth designwould be its last.

"He likes the design that was put forward by his architect,"Watson said.

"I think some people in the public think we can go and design the thing ourselves and say, 'Here, put this on as the addition.'We just don't have that power, unfortunately."

However, because itis a registered heritage building, any changes to it must be approved by council.

While the municipality cannot dictate the specific design of an addition, it can reject one it believes is incompatible.

Asked yesterday if he would change anything about the way he handled the file, Watson admitted he should have reached out personally toLarco two years ago"to try to see if we could steer it to something that was more acceptable to the broader community."

Legal battle ahead?

Opponents of the addition, who have mounted petitions and written opinion pieces in national newspapers,say they will go over their next strategies in the coming days.

"It's not over," said Penny Collenette of the group Friends of the Chteau Laurier.

That may include a legal challenge of the heritage permit, added Maureen McTeer, another member of the group.

Even comedian and actor Tom Green was in Ottawa to visit family andwent to city hall on Thursday. He said he's concerned the addition looks like "Trump's wall,"and is urging people to keep up the pressure.

"You know, I think if there's enough public reaction, I think people can change their minds."