Residents win round one in development fight
Last Updated: Friday, March 1, 2002 | 10:36 AM ET
CBC News
The City of Ottawa's planning committee has rejected plans to develop a piece of vacant green space known as Moffat Farm.
However, there's already an appeal in the works because the city didn't address the issue within the allotted time.
Residents who want to preserve the old farm site, still face a battle.
The 86 acres between Prince of Wales Drive and the Rideau River is owned by the National Capital Commission.
Locals have used it as a park for more than 50 years. Now the NCC says the land is surplus to federal needs.
Developer, DRC Phoenix plans to swap another green space, the Montfort forest, for a chance to build some of the 250 homes proposed for the site.
Senior development manager Mark Purchase thought it was a win-win situation.
"The Montfort woods would remain protected. We, the developer, would acquire a piece of land to do what we do, which is build houses," says Purchase. "Part of the Moffat Farm, the undeveloped portion, would likely be turned over to the city."
Residents don't agree.
Moffat Farm Citizens' Coalition president John Batson wants more community input in development planning.
"Let's not rush into developing this land without proper care, let's keep our green space gems green," says Batson. "We want the needs of the community and the city reviewed in a secondary planning process."
Despite the committee's decision, the fight's not over.
The developer already has a hearing at the Ontario Municipal Board scheduled for next month.
