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Sky’s not quite the limit

The tallest buildings Windmill is proposing on the Ottawa side would be 15 storeys; the tallest building in Gatineau would reach 24 storeys. Windmill says introducing tall buildings on the Gatineau side will help to reduce the wall effect created by the federal government’s Portage complex. On Albert Island, three- to six-storey buildings are proposed; on Chaudière west, various heights from two to 15 storeys are proposed, while heights ranging from three to 14 storeys are proposed for Chaudière east.

Islands in the sun

Albert Island is a small island on the far south of the site. Its size, coupled with the presence of some existing heritage buildings and structures, means parking opportunities are somewhat limited and, as a result, restricts new buildings of any height or density. Windmill is proposing a new pedestrian and bike crossing at the west end of the island to provide a crossing to the south shore of the river and to Chaudière Island in the north.

Speaking of which …

Chaudière west is envisioned as a lively, mixed-use area with several residential buildings and densities on the west end of the island, as well as an urban plaza, park and views of historic Chaudière Falls. It’s neighbour to the east will also be a mixed-use area featuring a hotel, condos, event space, and another public square and park. An existing underground bunker will be converted to function as a multi-level underground parking garage to serve all three Ontario districts.