A new development near Dow's Lake has fired up the debate over height limits for condo towers.
The development is slated to be built on an empty lot on Hickory Street, near the O-Train stop along Carling Avenue.
The development is currently zoned for a 12-storey building that would hold 330 units. However, Mastercraft Starwood, the developer behind the project, wants to change the plans, putting the same number of units into two buildings that would be more than double the height.
"It's about building better buildings," said architect Rod Lahey.
However, many residents in the area don't want towering buildings in their neighbourhood, fearing it would set a dangerous precedent.
"I think in this particular location, 22- or 24-storeys is too high," said resident Eric Darwin.
"I'm all for intensification along the O-Train line, but the size and scope of this project is just way out of whack," added resident Chris Dasilva.
The architect argues the concept he has in mind is an attractive alternative to the squat apartment block that was originally planned for the site. The towers would be set back from the street, surrounded by townhouses.
"This is an opportunity to do something different, and I think exciting," said Lahey.
The issue also taps into concern that too many condo towers are creeping into neighbourhoods.
"If you're looking at seniors, retirement residence I think we're seeing a glut in that market right now and I could see the same thing coming down the road with condo development," said Coun. Christine Ledman.
"We've just seen so much and I don't know how many people there are out there to buy it."
Mastercraft Starwood has already applied to the city to rezone the application to build higher towers.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Joanne Schnurr
