Lansdowne plan gets facelift

The proposed renovation of Lansdowne Park got a major facelift of its own on Wednesday as city council approved a settlement that will remove mid-rise buildings from Holmwood Avenue and cap the heights of other buildings.

The changes agreed to include removing a group of four-storey condos, with 30-metre buildings set just behind them, along Holmwood Avenue, as well as restricting the height of the residential tower at Bank and Holmwood to 12 storeys.

Residential development will also be capped at 280 units.

The height of two other commercial buildings will also be reduced, and motor vehicle access to Lansdowne from Holmwood will be restricted.

The city also agreed to fast-track reconstruction of Bank Street this year and contribute $300,000 to the Glebe BIA and $30,000 to community groups to offset costs during the construction period.

Mayor Jim Watson said he hoped the mediated settlement will also avoid Ontario Municipal Board hearings over zoning changes requested as part of the plan. Three appeals filed by individuals remain before the board.

The city voted last June to form a public-private partnership with Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group to renovate Lansdowne Park. Under the deal, OSEGwill oversee renovations of Frank Clair Stadium, and build a mix of condominium and retail space in the rest of the park.