Ottawa will continue to grow, after members of the city’s planning and rural affairs committees defeated a motion to freeze Ottawa’s urban boundary.
Members yesterday defeated Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes’ motion that the urban boundary not be expanded 9-2 and supported the staff recommendation of a 842-hectare expansion.
Ottawa needs more row housing and townhomes, not single-family homes, said Holmes.
The dream of owning a single-family home is not sustainable, she said.
“If we’re not legally required to do so, we should hold the line,” said Bay Ward Coun. Alex Cullen.
“We have sufficient supply to meet the needs of our community,” he said.
Others were against the motion.
“Sprawl means unplanned development,” said Kanata North Ward Coun. Marianne Wilkinson. “We’re talking about expanding the boundary.”
“I think the motion is short-sighted,” said Orleans Coun. Bob Monette. “We’re shutting the door on future expansion. You are not planning for the future, you are planning for today.”
