Otto’s BMW withdraws application to expand dealership into Hunt Club forest

A controversial proposal by an Ottawa car dealership to expand into a neighbouring forest has been withdrawn.

Otto's BMW, which is located 400 Hunt Club Rd., had hoped to pave over a section of a neighbouring forest, for use as a parking lot and storage yard.

However, after heavy community criticism, Otto's has decided to pull the application and reassess the situation.

Mike Vorobej of 'Save the Hunt Club Forest,' says the group is applauding the move, but tells CityNews Ottawa, it's not enough.

“Another company could come in the next day and approach the airport about leasing that land and cutting down all the trees,” Vorobej says. “So, it's not strictly an issue about the BMW dealership, it's about the preservation of the land.”

Vorobej adds, ideally, the group would like to stop any further applications from making it to the city's planning committee.

“The real issue for us is that this is federal land,” Vorobej says. “It's under the control of the Ottawa Airport Authority and we are looking to have this land taken off the development market, so to speak, and declare it as permanent public green space.”