subject: Types Of Urban Infill Projects In Ottawa [print this page] The city is always seeing lots of development and expansions outwards towards the south. Infill initiatives help increase intensification and better utilization of city services and infrastructures. The City of Ottawa now favors projects of intensification such as multi-family residential home conversions. Another popular trend for intensification of inner city neighborhoods is to build multi-purpose buildings or better known as mixed-use structures. Mixed-used structures normally combine some commercial units with residential units these are normally seen on top. This type of construction was very popular in the 1900 in Europe were corner stores, grocery stores, barber shops and other commercial stores were found underneath the residential units.
An advantage of intensification is that we are using the existing infrastructure and services in place in Ottawa. There is no need to build or install new infrastructures such as roads, sewers, community centers and pay for extra services and man labor to cover things such as garbage removal and snow removal in the winter. With the increase in energy cost it only makes sense to minimize the suburban sprawl by building the inner city of Ottawa.
When building an infill project in Ottawa one must review the zoning requirements to verify that the zoning allows for your project. Normal limitations found in the Ottawa zoning requirements are lot area minimums, frontage width, minimum yard setbacks for the front, back and side as well as parking allocations. Some cities will also have minimum landscaping requirements for the property. In Ottawa, Ontario residential zones are separated by categories such as R1, R2, R2, R4, etc. Each category outlines the density allocations for the zone. For example a multi-residential unit will have a higher R number than one of a single family detached home. You can apply to have your zone changed for your property should the current zoning disable you to build your structure.
Ottawa has many neighborhoods were investors love to buy land for future infill projects. The latest big infill project was the one by Claridge Homes off of the Vanier Parkway which consists of a high rise condominium project as well as multifamily homes and row houses. Another project in up and coming Vanier is the one called Le St-Denis which consisted of converting a school into modern condominiums. The school yard was also used to build row homes. Although these infill projects are very large they dont always need to be. One may choose to increase density simply by creating an in-law suite in his or her basement or by converting a single family home into a duplex. Similarly in areas of close proximity to universities and colleges property owners have converted their properties into rooming houses. Before attempting any intensification or infill projects in Ottawa please contact the city to find out what the current zoning permits.
