As constituents of Ottawa we…

As constituents of Ottawa we are very concerned that the section of the New Official Plan for Ottawa concerning the expansion of the Official Plan boundary was passed despite many logical reasons why this proposed expansion of the Urban Boundary of the New Official Plan for Ottawa was not a good idea.

The South March Lands (175 hectares) were removed and the Tewin Community, to be located many kilometres southeast of the City of Ottawa, replaced it. We feel strongly that the South March Lands, as well as other areas, should be placed back into the expanded Urban Boundary of the New Official Plan for Ottawa. The Tewin Community proposal would involve the very high cost of infrastructure (sewer, water pipes), roads/transit, the cost of building homes and institutions on marine clay, distance from LRT, and the poor score on the Planning Guidelines.
The South March Lands are located close to sewer, water, good roads, and could be part of a 15-minute community in Kanata North.

The City of Ottawa many years ago established a scoring system to assist with the determination of which lands if any should be considered for expansion and development. The system is used by the City Planning Department to guide the City Councillors in the decision-making process without bias and influence from developers and landowners. The South March lands were scored highly by the Ottawa Planning Committee and were included in the proposed Urban Boundary Expansion in meetings held at Ottawa City Council in May 2020. The South March lands are ready to be developed, are close to transit, park-and-ride facilities, high tech companies for employment, the DND location on Carling Avenue at Moodie Drive, grocery stores, restaurants, banks, pharmacies, medical centres, Churches, Schools, recreation facilities such as the Richcraft Recreation Centre (Pool) and the South March Highlands Conservation area (biking and walking trails), as well as infrastructure such as good roads (March Rd.) and nearby water and sewer services. A 15-minute community is possible here with housing for all ages from young families to seniors. The Tewin Community lands scored poorly on this scale.

As taxpayers and residents of Ottawa, in rural Kanata, we look for sound urban planning from our City Council. The Tewin lands development would not be sound urban planning for the reasons stated above.
It is our understanding that you have the final decision about this New Official Plan for Ottawa.
We trust that you and your staff will examine the New Official Plan for Ottawa carefully and not approve the sections of the Plan that are risky, not following good planning practices, too costly, and not in the best interests of Ottawa taxpayers and residents.

Thank you for considering our request.