Residents harbour concerns about 26 and 35-storey towers in Barrhaven

Residents are worried about a number of things when it comes to a proposed development that could see a 26 and 35-storey building in Barrhaven.

Located at 1034 McGarry Terrace, dubbed the Marketplace Towers West, the development includes two high-rise buildings connected by commercial space and amenities. Plans include 592 apartment units, a courtyard and space for businesses.

The site is within a Major Transit Station Area — 400 metres from Marketplace Station — meaning it is ideal for intensification and located near restaurants, stores and is a step toward creating a 15-minute community.

Before the project is set in stone, Ottawa City Council would need to amend the Barrhaven Downtown Secondary Plan that would permit a building greater than 30 storeys.

If built, the towers will be the tallest buildings in the mostly low-rise residential neighbourhood.

Ward Councillor David Hill has said numerous times he is in support of the project as long as it is appropriate living for older adults and addresses traffic concerns.

“I support the application as it comes in, but the two things I think I can have an influence on in order to mitigate the biggest concerns are to get as much of this for senior citizens and the other is for road safety,” Hill said at a community meeting for the project.

Right now both Hill and Barrhaven East Councillor Wilson Lo are taking feedback so staff can address resident’s ideas.

People in Ottawa are often met with high rents and housing costs, which officials say is due to the housing shortage. Hill believes the towers are a step in the right direction in bringing more housing density to the community.

Residents attended a community meeting on the project earlier this month organized by Lo and Hill, and raised concerns about traffic, safety and if the building will accommodate bike parking.

Some people had concerns over the height of the building including what happens in a fire.

Carol Throop, a Barrhaven resident, was worried about if elevators aren’t working.

“I don’t want to run down 36 flights of stairs,” she said.

Officials explained that the building will have adequate fire suppression and sprinklers throughout.

Another resident, Warsame, said sidewalks are very narrow in this part of Barrhaven and the roads are “always jammed.”

Hill said that this part of the planning process is the perfect time to bring up concerns of sidewalks given the developers and designers are making those decisions. He will be ensuring traffic concerns are addressed and safety is a priority.

Marco said he currently lives in an apartment building and “really loves” the proposal, but said he hopes parking spots will eventually turn into bike parking as Barrhaven moves toward a more walkable neighbourhood.

The next step of the project is for plans to go back to council.