Local Events

Posted Jan 22, 2010

by Kimberly Lochhead, EMC News

 

With the approval of the Official Plan and zoning amendment for 3211 Greenbank Rd. at the Jan. 13 meeting of city council, local councillors say community concerns of increased traffic volumes would be eased as the city progresses with infrastructure projects.

Also known as part of the South Nepean Town Centre, the property would see a mixed-use high-density development of both residential and commercial space of four- and 12-storey buildings.

"I know residents are concerned that development happens in tandem with infrastructure developments and I expect that in future phases we will move at a pace that is in line with this," said Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches. "I'm aware of the traffic concerns of the community and I think part of the solution is to build these transit-friendly communities that are connected to rapid transit."

The development is planned to be adjacent to the southwest Transitway, which will be extended from Fallowfield Station to the Barrhaven Town Centre. The city is investing more than $50 million towards this project.

"I've been in discussions with Minto to keep the height low in the future phases and they are also sensitive in ensuring that the infrastructure is in place prior to proceeding with some of the future phases," noted Coun. Desroches.

The city report of the application made by Minto Inc., states that the "introduction of these buildings at the Riocan/Chapman Mills/Longfields intersections is desirable, as major intersections are good locations for taller buildings and provide an opportunity to locate mixed-use development by concentrating height and mass at gateways." It also notes that Chapman Mills Dr. is "designed to be a highly urban street with transit occupying the central portion of the right-of-way," a benefit to transit and contributing to intensification.

"This is definitely award winning and it ties in spectacularly with the South Nepean Town Centre plan that we adopted back in 1996," explained Barrhaven Coun. Jan Harder. "I think it's an excellent fit for that part of the community. It's a project to make the most of our transit investment because it will be a live, work and play area."

Coun. Desroches said he has been aware of residents' concerns with the infrastructure in Barrhaven supporting the development but believes such projects have been progressing well.

"I think we're moving forward," he said. "Jan and I have been working very hard to push many projects including Prince of Wales Dr., Greenbank Rd., the Strandherd Dr. extension, the Longfields Dr. extension and the Jockvale Bridge."

Construction will likely commence later this year, said Coun. Desroches.