Although a land swap deal is in the works to save a chunk of ecological land slated for development in Ottawa's west end, the deal could cost taxpayers.
Kanata-South Coun. Marianne Wilkinson wants the city to approve a land swap deal that would save part of the South March Highlands, which includes Kanata's Beaver Pond.
Supporters who want to protect the area say the space has the highest ecological value and biodiversity of any area in the City of Ottawa.
If council approves the deal, the city would give the developer five hectares of nearby land in exchange for five hectares of the Beaver Pond forest.
However, the five hectares given to the developer could be more expensive for the city to service with a sewer system and other infrastructure. It is unclear how much taxpayers could be on the hook for.
Wilkinson also wants the city to buy more land from the developer for $20 million.
Supporters of the South March Highlands have said development of the area would be the largest ecological disaster the city has ever experienced.
