6-storey building proposed overlooking Rideau Canal in Old Ottawa East

An application has been submitted to build a six-storey, 52-unit residential building on Echo Drive near the Rideau Canal. An artist rendering shows the proposed building from the Flora Footbridge. (Project1 Studio/report)

A new six-storey residential building is proposed to overlook the Rideau Canal in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood, replacing a current four-storey apartment building.

The City of Ottawa received an application to build a new 52-unit residential building, with a three-storey underground parking garage, at 441 Echo Drive, just steps from the Rideau Canal and the Flora Footbridge.

The proposal by JB Holdings would replace the existing four-storey low-rise apartment building at the site on Echo Drive.

According to the plan, the 52 units would include 19 two-bedroom units, two three-bedroom apartments, 22 one-bedroom units and eight one bedroom plus den units. There would also be a rooftop lounge and terrace consisting of 230 square metres.

Fotenn Planning + Design has been retailed by JB Holdings to prepare the planning rationale for the plan.

“The proposed development has been designed to serve as a complementary backdrop to the Rideau Canal,” Fotenn Planning + Design said.

“The proposed development, if approved, would be taller than surrounding buildings and will be visible from the Flora Footbridge.”

The proposal says a series of projections and step-backs on the front of the building will aim to mitigate impacts from the additional height.

“On the lower levels, a brick framework projects out from the face of the building. This creates articulation and, coupled with the recessed balconies, creates a highly varied building elevation that will offer contrasting shadowing over the course of the day,” the report said.

“Continuing up, the building is set back on Level 04 and then again on Level 06. The rooftop amenity space has also been designed to minimize its impact and ensure that it does not read as a seventh storey.”

Fotenn Planning + Design notes the building has a “prominent location” within its proximity to the Rideau Canal, but the building will be “screened by existing trees.”

The property would include 54 vehicle parking spaces and 56 bicycle parking spaces.

As part of the application, the developer proposes increasing the maximum permitted height under the Zoning Bylaw from 14.5 metres to 19.5 metres.

It’s expected to be presented to the planning and housing committee in September.

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