Wateridge Village holds open house on new phases
Hopes to begin re-opening Hemlock Rd. in 2024
Wateridge Village, the burgeoning neighbourhood east of Aviation Pkwy., held an open house recently to present plans for upcoming phases of development.
According to Philip Thibert, a director of real estate at Wateridge, between 60 and 70 people attended the open house. While most were from Wateridge, others were from the surrounding area.
The open house covered Phases 6, 7 and 8, areas east of Codd’s Rd. and south of George Étienne Pkwy.
Phase 6 will consist of a City of Ottawa park named after Wing Officer Winnifred Taylor Park, one of only three women to attain the rank of wing officer, what was at the time the Royal Canadian Air Force Women’s Division equivalent of wing commander.
Phase 7 will be a mix of low and mid-rise residential units while phase 8 will be a specially designed area that includes a mix of mid-rise residential with natural green space.
Zoning for phases 6 and 7 has been approved by the city. However, the plan for Phase 8, which was “tweaked” with the removal of a road to include more green space, is still pending municipal approval.
Unlike the Winnifred Taylor Park, which will include built features and a playground, the green space in Phase 8, dubbed Tanakiwin, is intended to encourage more introspective activity. “The vision for that site is that it will be an area contemplation with a connection to Mother Earth,” says Mary Jarvis, a senior director of real estate with Wateridge. “So the trees will remain and there will be a walking path through the greenspace and areas for people to stop and enjoy the natural surroundings.”
Wateridge Village is being developed by Canada Lands Company in collaboration with the Algonquins of Ontario. The agreement between the two includes commitments on the commemoration of Algonquin history and culture, as well as for procurement and employment. The Algonquins of Ontario can also buy up lots on the area, which covers most of the former Canadian Forces Base Rockcliffe site, about 125 hectares (310 acres).
Hemlock Rd. re-opening
The initial plans for Wateridge Village included a re-opening of Hemlock Rd. to connect with the section west of St. Laurent Blvd, in Manor Park, in 2019. However, that plan was delayed.
Mary says re-opening Hemlock is one of the “key elements” of ensuring adequate transit for Wateridge residents.
However, there are still “final details” to resolve with the city. She says the hope is that in 2024, the municipal design and approving process can be finalized and construction can start.
“As soon as we resolve those details, we’ll move forward as quickly as possible in constructing Hemlock.”
The Manor Park Community Association has maintained that Hemlock should not be re-opened until it has been the portion from St. Laurent Blvd. to Wateridge has been reconstructed as a complete street with a separate raised cycle path, sidewalks and adequate lighting.
