PlAnning needs neighBourhood input

A developer in our neighbourhood recently received variance approval for a new residential four-unit infill project. Notification of impending building changes, called variances, was given to neighbours, and as no one objected (often the case) it was approved. Others are affected, but since they don’t live adjacent they don’t have much of a say.

Building was completed shortly afterwards and, it turns out, the infill is now partly Air B&B — a transformation that occupies a planning “grey zone.”

On April 3, the province clearly signalled that municipal planning needs to change by replacing the OMB with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, a move intended to give more weight to local decision-making. Less clear is how cities plan to follow up. Historically, Ottawa has relied on a culture of strong central control. Council reacts but only after issues have become citywide concerns, a cumbersome and ineffective response.

A better way would be to require developers to seek neighbourhood approval before city officials can even consider proposals or variances. This engages neighbourhoods more meaningfully so that “grey zone” planning problems can be dealt with locally, before becoming city problems. Before Air B&Bs appear on every block.

Malcolm Cunningham

(on behalf of Queensway Terrace North Community Association), Ottawa