LRT & Traffic

Lincoln Fields: First Hearing of Interim Plans on August 7

Upcoming changes at Lincoln Fields mall will have impacts for residents of QTN. Some of the proposed changes require variances from relevant city rules. There will be a hearing on those before the Committee of Adjustment on August 7, 2019. The public meeting will be held at 6:30 pm in the Chambers, Ben Franklin Place, 101 Centrepointe Drive.

The issues being addressed at this hearing relate to:

  • how a new Rexall Drug Store on Carling Avenue is positioned in relation to the street;
  • the specific location of a new Metro grocery store; and
  • the number of parking spaces in the interim plan

Details of this application (2525 Carling Ave) can be found in the agenda of the committee at: https://app05.ottawa.ca/sirepub/mtgviewer.aspx?meetid=7801&doctype=agenda&itemid=389312.

Rio Can’s plans for Lincoln Fields mall will also be the subject of other hearings this fall, before the City of Ottawa gives approval for the full development application. Earlier this year the QTN planning committee sent a letter to Rio Can asking for consideration of some concerns of residents, such as connections to the LRT station and through the area; pedestrian and bike-friendly access to various services; and more green and friendly public spaces. QTNCA is also in dialogue with other community associations and City Councillor Theresa Kavanaugh with regard to both interim and long-term plans.

The City of Ottawa will launch a planning study of the larger area along Carling Avenue this fall. QTN residents will be invited to provide input about the future of development along Carling Avenue, including the long-term future of Lincoln Fields mall.

If you would like more information or further discussion, please contact Kathy Vandergrift, Chair of the Planning Committee, through qtncommunity@gmail.com.

Stage 2 LRT – Geotechnical Drilling (Update)

As part of the work for Stage 2 LRT, affected homes and businesses have been notified about geotechnical drilling. The City of Ottawa has also contacted QTNca, here’s is the most recent information:

Over the next few weeks, investigative geotechnical activities will occur at several areas along the planned alignment in the area of the future Queensview Station. Drill rigs will be used to drill boreholes of varying depths, in order to collect water and soil samples that will in part determine construction methodologies and materials. Approximate locations are marked on the attached aerial maps (see below). This work has occurred during overnight hours in areas where the planned alignment follows the Transitway, however these borehole locations near Queensview may move forward during regular construction hours.

For more information please consult the Public Notice – Stage 2 update.

Boreholes for Connaught Park

Boreholes for Queensview Station

Queensview/Pinecrest LRT Study Update

The Queensview/Pinecrest LRT Study is important for residents in QTN for three reasons as it will:

  • Shape development on the south side of our neighbourhood;
  • Address access to and impacts of the new LRT stations at Queensview and Pinecrest; and
  • Include new rules for in-fill housing in our neighborhood.

This month we learned that the LRT Study will take longer than expected. Public discussion of draft proposals will now be held in late fall, with approval likely sometime in the Spring of 2020. The QTN planning committee has provided initial input on the character of our neighborhood and issues to be addressed. Informal discussions continue on the best options to accommodate change and maintain what we value about QTN. The QTN planning page will continue to provide more information for interested residents and contact information if you want to discuss any planning issues.

In a related matter, the City of Ottawa is proposing new rules for front yards in mature neighborhoods like QTN. These rules will address concerns arising from in-fill projects on narrow lots; they will help to preserve green space and attractive streets for walking and biking, as well as safety. The QTN planning committee welcomes your suggestions or you can respond directly to the city planning department. Further information at:
https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/public-engagement/projects/monitoring-infill-i-and-ii.