Neighbours worry about traffic impact of 900-unit development on Carling

Neighbours of a proposed highrise development replacing the TraveLodge Hotel on Carling Avenue want the city to close two roads bordering the property to eliminate cut-through traffic.

Holloway Lodging Corp. wants to build two 20-storey towers, one 22-storey tower, and two eightstorey buildings at 1354 and 1376 Carling Ave., between Meath, Archibald and Thames streets. There would be 900 units, and groundlevel commercial units, built in two phases. The complex could have 2,000 residents.

The company would keep the iconic Japanese-style pavilion, which was the brainchild of developers Bill Teron and Harold Shenkman. It was built as an addition to the original Talisman Motor Inn in 1962 and, according to the city, once had Ottawa’s most popular tiki bar. There isn’t a plan yet for what will be in the pavilion.

Neighbours who attended a planning committee meeting Tuesday are concerned about the likely increase in traffic, especially on Thames Street between Merivale Road and the development.

Janette Niwa, who lives on Meath Street, said she would support road closures at Meath and Archibald streets to mitigate the increased car traffic.

“The road closures make the most sense for the community given the density that’s coming in,” Niwa said.

Jesse Ajayi delivered a measured presentation, saying he trusts the traffic issues will be addressed by the city and local councillor during the site plan process.

“With an act of faith and an open mind, many residents do look forward to this development,” Ajayi said.

A Holloway representative said the company has no objection to the road closures, making Carling Avenue the only entry and exit point for the development.

It will be up to the city.

The planning committee voted 7-2 in favour of the zoning change to allow the development. Councillors Riley Brockington and Jeff

Leiper opposed the application.

Brockington, the councillor for the community, decried the “chasm” between the planning and transportation departments, in reference to the likely traffic impact to Thames Street.

He doesn’t like the massing of the proposed development along Carling Avenue, but Brockington tried to highlight some of the positive aspects of the plan, including a 1,400-square-metre public park.

Council will consider the application Wednesday.