The Ontario Municipal Board has dismissed appeals against Windmill Development's $1-billion project on the old Domtar lands.

The appellants, led by architect Douglas Cardinal, called for protection of the land along the Ottawa River because it's a sacred site for Aboriginals. They claimed Windmill didn't involve Aboriginals in the planning process.

The City of Ottawa, which granted the necessary rezoning to pave the way for the mixed-use redevelopment, asked the OMB to dismiss the appeals.

"The board is satisfied that the spirit and intent of the policies in the city Official Plan directed at working with the Algonquin on planning for public lands have been respected through the planning process for determining the future development for the islands," the OMB wrote in a decision released Tuesday.

Windmill says the decision clears the way for the redevelopment to proceed.

The company calls its project Zibi, which will transform land on both the Ottawa and Gatineau sides of the river. It will include high rises, townhouses, office space, stores and parkland.

Twitter: @JonathanWilling