16 Sep Chateau Laurier Expansion
I would like to share the following information provided by Councillor Jan Harder, Chair of the City’s Planning Committee regarding the proposed expansion to the Chateau Laurier.
The proposed addition to the Château Laurier has generated intense public interest and comment. Indeed, it has become a topic of national discussion and news coverage.
I wanted to outline for you the expected process ahead for this development proposal, which will provide ample opportunity for full public discussion and design refinements.
There has been some pre-consultation with City planning staff, the Ward Councillor, some community heritage representatives and the City’s Urban Design Review Panel. These were standard preliminary consultations for any major development proposal in a prominent location. The owner has also had some initial discussions with the National Capital Commission’s design review advisory committee.
We understand that Larco Investments plans to formally apply to the City in October. The Château Laurier is protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act and is a National Historic Site. There will be a site plan application required, as well as a heritage application under the Act and a minor variance to be considered by the Committee of Adjustment.
The City will post all of the documents received as part of the Site Plan Control application on our Development Applications website.
The heritage application would be considered at public meetings of the Built Heritage Sub-Committee, Planning Committee and Council. The minor variance would be reviewed at a public session of the Committee of Adjustment, Panel 1. The Urban Design Review Panel would have a formal review session following submission of the site plan application, which is open to the public to attend and observe.
As well, we understand that the company intends to hold a public community meeting at the hotel this fall.
Finally, while the National Capital Commission’s design advisory committee does not meet in public, we anticipate that the project would be considered by the commission’s Board of Directors in public session.
This proposed development, steps from the future Rideau O-Train Station, has the potential to be a great addition to our downtown. I am looking forward to a healthy public discussion about the future of this treasured national landmark building.