Objections to 65-storey tower not all grounded in height

Opposition is mounting against a development proposal that would include Ottawa's tallest building a 65-storey residential tower on the edge of LeBreton Flats but neighbouring community groupssay they're more concerned about what's at street level.

This site is more than just about height.- Michael Powell, Dalhousie Community Association

"This site is more than just about height," said Michael Powell, president of the Dalhousie Community Association, about the proposal for 900 Albert St., led by Trinity Group. "The concern gets into how it interacts with the rest of the neighbourhood."

Of particular concern, Powell said, is how pedestrians will get around the building, whosesouth-facing side will likely feature a loading zone.

"You want to make sure that you just don't have a blank or near-blankwall with 18-wheelers going in and out of it," he said.

'The height we can live with'

TheHintonburgCommunity Association agreed the building's height isn't the main concern.

"The height we can live with,"said the association's president,LarryHudon.

The developer is proposinga mixed-use complex includinga 65-, 56- and 27-storey tower, all on three-storey podiums above six levels of underground parking.

• 65-storey Albert Street tower would be city's tallest

The tallest tower would be double the heightof Ottawa's current tallest building, Minto's32-storey Metropole in Westboro.

A representative of the developer was not available to respond to the concerns raised by the community associations.

Prime location

Though the building is taller than previous proposals for the site, it has a similar number of units about 1,200. City staff argue the building is in a prime spot for intensification given its location next to the BayviewLRTstation and its proximity to downtown.

The city hasa plan that's supposed to dictatehow the neighbourhood should be developed, but this project doesn't match up, Powell said.

"We're seeing really dramatic changes from what was being proposed," he said.

The councillor who represents the area has already expressed vehement opposition to the project because of its overwhelming height.

The proposal will be considered by the city's planning committee next Tuesday, and city council will vote on it the following day.