Developer signs deal for Domtar lands
Group ready ‘to bring new life and energy’ to Chaudière Islands area,
The Chaudière islands appear set for a “new life” under a purchase deal between Domtar and Windmill Development Group of Ottawa.
“Our vision is to create Canada’s most sustainable mixedused community right here in the nation’s capital,” Windmill co-founder Jonathan Westeinde said Wednesday evening in announcing his firm’s purchase of Domtar’s property on Albert and Chaudière islands and in downtown Gatineau. “We plan to bring new life and energy to this once bustling heart of industry, and give the people of Ottawa and Gatineau a new way to experience and appreciate one of the great rivers of the world, the Ottawa.”
Windmill, which describes itself as “one of Canada’s greenest developers,” intends to “reinvent the area” in a way that is sensitive to its history and cognizant of environmental concerns. Westeinde said the result will be a “a vibrant, world-class, sustainable, pedestrian-oriented mixed-use community.”
The site has been referred to as the cradle of Canadian history, given its proximity to Parliament Hill, its roots in Canada’s early economic development, and its significance as an aboriginal gathering place.
The Domtar sale has been pending for a long time. Calls to develop the historic property overlooked by the Parliament Buildings go back decades. Domtar closed its plant there in 2005. The NCC, which has long had plans for redeveloping the area, abandoned a proposed purchase when the federal government turned thumbs down.
Last summer, Windmill signed a letter of intent with Domtar and has been studying the would-be project ever since. The financial terms of the agreement are not being released at this stage.
The sale agreement commits Windmill to purchasing the property, with the only remaining condition being rezoning it for a mixeduse community-scale development. Windmill intends to present its planning application to Ottawa and Gatineau city councils in the spring.
Domtar is certainly happy with the deal.
“We are pleased to be transferring the stewardship and revitalization of this important redevelopment opportunity to Windmill,” said Stewart Marcoux, the company’s vice-president, asset redeployment. “Windmill’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Domtar’s corporate mission and we are confident will result in a world-class development that will enhance the nation’s capital.”
Earlier this year, in a presentation to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Windmill sketched its plans for the area. They include establishing waterfront restaurants, cafés and public parks, setting up public gathering places that provide views of the river, building a mix of low-rise, highrise and affordable housing, redeveloping some of the heritage buildings, and creating various historical installations honouring the area’s logging and industrial history.
The company also says the project will be carbon neutral and will include on-site stormwater management, the use of solar, wind and other ecologically friendly systems. And it will be connected to a “safe and cohesive” pedestrian and bicycle network, a “seamless” public transit system, and, to top it off, “an uninterrupted tourist experience.”
In hopes of delivering on this vision, Windmill consulted various entities as part of its due diligence, including the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau, the federal government, the Algonquins of Ontario, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg band of Algonquins, the NCC and the Heritage Canada Foundation
“The encouragement we’ve received from the National Capital Commission, the two cities, the Algonquin people, and the environmental community has been overwhelming,” said Windmill partner Rodney Wilts. “People are extremely enthusiastic to have something great happen at this location.”
So it seems. “I’m delighted to see that there is a plan being developed to revitalize an important piece of our local and national history,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “We need to find ways for this land to reach its full potential, and offer residents and visitors greater access to the Ottawa River, a national treasure. We look forward to giving the plan careful consideration when it is presented to the city.”
Gatineau Mayor Maxime Pedneaud-Jobin echoed the sentiment.
“This land has been central to the region’s history, as a seat of aboriginal culture, the birthplace of our first industries, and a place visited by every one of the great explorers. Carrying out such a project would help make the downtown the pride of all Gatineau residents.”
The National Capital Commission’s chief executive, Jean-François Trépanier, was equally enthused.
“Windmill’s plan to celebrate Chaudière Island’s historical significance and to bring new life and energy to the waterfront is completely aligned with our aspirations for that space and the region.”
The general public will get the chance to express its opinion on Dec. 11 at a consultation to be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Registration for the event, and a preview of the development principles, can be found at www.the-isles.ca or www.les-iles.ca.