Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee has given the thumbs up to several amendments that will lead to a new community hub in Riverside South, along with a nine-storey residential building in the Alta Vista area.
These decisions, made on Aug. 19, still need final approval from City Council today (Aug. 26).
Riverside South Community Centre and Library
The committee approved changes to the Official Plan and zoning for the upcoming Riverside South Community Centre and Library. According to planning documents, the location at 250 Town Square Pl. is part of a new 10.9-hectare park meant for recreation, community events, and social gatherings right in the middle of Riverside South Town Centre.
The changes allow for a shorter building that’s more suited for pedestrians and will be set back further from the road. The city believes this updated design will blend better with the community and create a friendlier atmosphere for people walking or biking. The updates will enable:
Wider sidewalks New trees and raised planters Additional seating areas Bike parking
New housing in Alta Vista
To promote residential growth, the committee also approved amendments to the Official Plan and zoning for a site on Alta Vista Drive, just north of Smyth Road.
This site used to house the Canadian Medical Association headquarters but has been an empty fenced lot since that building was taken down after they left in 2016.
The rezoning raises the maximum allowed height from four to nine storeys. This change will help build a mid-rise structure containing 379 residential units, including 135 larger two- and three-bedroom apartments. The city noted this addition is essential as it provides much-needed housing close to local services, recreation options, and transit.
From January 2023 until late 2025, council has granted land-use approvals for over 69,600 new homes, which makes up about 46 percent of what’s needed to reach its goal of adding 151,000 market homes by 2031. Since early 2026, it’s estimated that nearly 2,950 new homes have been developed with help from this committee.
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