Heritage estate to make way for infill in Chiarelli's ward

A heritage farmhouse where a Confederation Poet once composed his verses will soon have some new neighbours.

Kilmorie House will remain standing, but the wooded grounds that surround the property in Ottawa's City View neighbourhood willmake way for a crop of new infill houses, the city's planning committee decided Thursday.

For years, residents have fought to prevent development of the 0.8-hectare estate on Withrow Avenue, tucked off Merivale Road.

• City View looks to special levy to help buy heritage property for park

About a dozen of them made their wayto city hall again on Thursday, but the planning committee agreed to allow the property to be subdivided for nine new homes.

"We didn't get any help from city hall. All we got was opposition. Goliath just took his foot and stepped on Davidand crushed him," said Joan Clark, president of the City View Community Association, after the meeting.

Clark said her councillor, Rick Chiarelli, had supported the group's effortsin the past, but he has been absentfrom city hallamid allegations he acted inappropriately toward female staff and job applicants. Chiarellidid notattendThursday's meeting.

House protected, but not grounds

Kilmorie Housewas granted heritage designation during the last term of council, despite opposition from the family that owns it.

The stone house, built in the 1840s, was given its name by poet William Wilfred Campbell when he bought it in 1914.

Over the years, nearby residents have raised money to try to buy theproperty and protect its rare green space, and even talked ofturning the house into a cultural centre. But theylost thebattle at the tribunal that considers land-use appeals.

Coun. Scott Moffatt, who has been assigned to representCollege ward files for Chiarelli, said the community had hit a dead end.

"I think there's opportunities in this area for better park space, and I'm willing to explore that. But it's not at 21Withrow," Moffatt said.

New homes to be constructed on land surrounding heritage farmhouse

5 years ago

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Joan Clark, president of the City View Community Association, says the fight to save the Kilmorie House estate has been "draining" for the whole community. Residents were at city hall on Thursday to oppose the development.

'4 years in the making'

Councillors on the committee were told the house, which hasn't been occupied for two years,will need about $400,000 in repairs before it can be sold.

Joey Theberge, presidentof Theberge Homes, which owns the property, said he has never seen a formal offerto buy the land. He framed the development as good news for neighbours.

"It's going to improve the community. It's going to improve this heritage home. It's been four years in the making," Theberge said.

He said the company is ready to apply for building permits as soon asthe zoning decision receivescity council's final approval on Nov. 27 and plans for the site are finalized.

Theberge Homes already has approval for four additional homes fronting onto Withrow Avenue.