Several residents of the Accora Village rental community are expressing concerns about the landlord’s redevelopment plans for their west Ottawa neighborhood in the coming decades, fearing potential displacement due to increased prices.
The neighborhood, located near Bayshore Shopping Centre, is currently home to over 8,000 individuals residing in numerous 1960s-era brick townhouses and apartment complexes. However, the landscape may undergo significant changes as the property owner envisions constructing a mixture of new low, medium, and high-rise residential units by the year 2050.
Spanning most of the area between Carling Avenue, Bayshore Drive, Highway 417, and Holly Acres Road, Accora Village is under the ownership and management of Ferguslea Properties Limited.
In response to concerns raised, the company informed CBC News that there is currently no immediate issue necessitating the planning process, and any substantial modifications would be implemented in the coming years.
Despite this assurance, residents remain apprehensive.
Recently, Acorn, an advocacy group for affordable housing, orchestrated a demonstration on August 10 to demand additional details regarding the redevelopment project.
During the rally, an organizer led chants using a megaphone as protesters marched to the offices of Ferguslea Properties to deliver a letter urging the company to guarantee that tenants will not face displacement from their community.
“With adequate upkeep, these residences continue to offer suitable living conditions,” remarked Wren Walker, a participant residing in Accora Village with her family.
Plans for 7,000 New Units
Ferguslea is actively formulating a comprehensive plan for the area and has already commenced soliciting public feedback on design and planning concepts.
The proposed design includes expanding the neighborhood by introducing approximately 7,000 new housing units, along with the addition of parks, retail establishments, and upgraded infrastructure.
Engage Ottawa’s website disclosed that a public open house was held in February to discuss the development, followed by a virtual session in June.
Ferguslea mentioned in a statement that, “Through these conversations, it was clear that residents prioritize mitigating potential housing impacts, ensuring long-term affordability, improving accessibility, and preserving the essence of Accora Village.”
The company emphasized that the development would be phased, involving the replacement of several townhomes within the community over a span of 25 years.
There is currently no specified timeline for construction, as the company would need to secure approvals from the city.
“We do not anticipate any significant construction or renovation projects for several years following the finalization of the community plan,” the statement added.
Norma-Jean Quibell, an Accora Village resident and Acorn member, expressed dismay over Ferguslea’s lack of clarity regarding the potential impact on rental rates, leading residents to speculate on unfavorable outcomes.
Ferguslea envisions a diverse range of housing options in Accora that cater to tenants from various income brackets and life stages. However, Quibell perceives the proposed units as resembling “luxurious condos” based on the designs.
While acknowledging Ferguslea’s receptiveness to feedback and revisions to the master plan based on tenant input, Quibell emphasized the remaining unanswered questions, particularly concerning the timeline for plan revisions and resident consultation before submission to the city.