Ottawa’s planning committee approves 660 homes near airport despite noise warnings, raising concerns from aviation officials about future complaints.
Ottawa Committee Approves Homes Near Busy Airport Corridor
On Wednesday, Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee voted in favour of a 660-unit residential development near the Ottawa International Airport, despite firm opposition from the airport authority.
Proposed Site Sits Close to Runway’s End
The development, led by Taggart Realty, is set for the corner of Riverside Drive and Hunt Club Road—just 950 metres from the end of the airport’s main runway. The Ottawa International Airport Authority (OIAA) raised serious concerns, warning that up to 80 aircraft pass over the site daily, exposing residents to frequent and intense noise.
Airport Authority Warns of Long-Term Impact
Joel Tkach, OIAA’s Vice President of Business Development, urged the committee to block the proposal. He warned that residential encroachment has caused major operational disruptions at other Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson and Montreal-Trudeau, leading to curfews, complaints, and lost air service.
“The consequences are real—fewer flights, reduced cargo, diminished global connections, and lost jobs,” said Tkach.
Development Falls Outside Official Noise Restriction Zone
Though the site lies just outside the airport’s designated “Operating Influence Zone”—where housing is restricted due to aircraft noise—it still falls within a broader development boundary. Tkach argued these zoning lines are arbitrary and fail to reflect real acoustic impacts.
“Noise does not respect arbitrary lines on a map,” he said, predicting that new residents may later push for flight restrictions once exposed to regular jet and flight training noise.
Community and Developers Defend Housing Plan
Despite the airport’s appeal, city staff recommended the project’s approval, and members of the Hunt Club Community Association expressed strong support. Association president Audrey Belanger told the committee that families are desperate for housing in the area.
“When new housing goes up, even at market rates, it helps relieve pressure and improves affordability overall,” Belanger said. “Nobody is asking us about airplane noise—they’re asking for homes.”
Developers Say Risks Will Be Clearly Communicated
Paul Black of Fotenn Planning and Design, representing Taggart, said the land already permits residential use, and the requested zoning amendments are only to adjust height limits for apartment towers.
Development manager Kyle Kazda added that buyers and renters will be informed in advance about the potential noise exposure through legal disclosures and agreements.
Committee Vote Moves Project Toward Final Approval
The committee approved the zoning changes in an 8–3 vote. River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington, who represents the area, supported the plan and said noise concerns are manageable.
“There are already homes near the airport,” he said. “Residents moving in will be well aware of their surroundings. Buyer beware.”
The final decision will now head to full city council for approval.
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