Consultation in the works for 2 Robinson Ave. development

Cynthia Mitchell

A group of local residents and stakeholders hoping to see community benefits from the new 2 Robinson Ave. development are making some progress towards their goal.

The community group, which includes representatives from Action Sandy Hill (ASH), the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, Ottawa Community Housing, and Coopérative d’habitation Voisins, met virtually on January 14, with staff of Montreal-based Place Dorée Real Estate Holdings (the developer) and City of Ottawa staff. The meeting was organized and facilitated by Councillor Mathieu Fleury and featured an overview of proposed plans for the 1,600-residential-unit development. Additionally, an initial discussion was held on three areas on which the City is seeking community input: a new park, amenity space, and connections/mobility.

While the group was happy to learn of details in the new development, such as planned ground floor community and commercial space in the residential towers, along with a new municipal park at the corner of Chapel Street and Lees Avenue, concerns were raised that additional issues also need to be addressed in a holistic manner.

Susan Young, President of ASH, noted that a much broader community consultation will need to take place with the City and that the developer would need to be open to hear feedback beyond the three identified areas. It was agreed to by all that a virtual community forum to present the development will be held in the coming months, along with a dedicated consultation for Strathcona Heights.

Gerald Dragon, a community development worker at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, will work with his team to develop a survey to gather feedback and insights from residents in the Strathcona Heights community. The survey is expected to be ready by late March, with the virtual community consultation to be held in April.

The core group of local residents and stakeholders look forward to hearing from all Sandy Hill residents about the community benefits they would like included in this new development. A splash pad and skating rink in the new park, or in the central courtyard? A butterfly garden and pickleball court? A certain percentage of units dedicated to affordable housing? Additional City infrastructure, services, and programs for the expected influx of new residents? As the developer recently filed their application with the City, now is the time for Sandy Hill residents to ensure this development provides benefits for our community. Your feedback will inform what the working group presents to the City and the developer, and will ultimately help shape this new development in our community.

Stay tuned to IMAGE for more information, and contact Cynthia Mitchell (cynmitch@outlook.com) if you are interested in joining the community working group.