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Heritage Ottawa says it needs $150,000 to fight city decisions allowing a controversial addition to the historic Château Laurier.

David Flemming, a member of the volunteer advocacy group, said the cost estimate is based on a court case and a separate planning appeal.

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“It’s fair to say we’ll end up in some litigation,” Flemming said Tuesday as Heritage Ottawa launched an online fundraising campaign.

Larco Investments, the owner of the Château Laurier, has city council’s blessing to pursue a boxy seven-storey addition on the north side of the hotel.

In June 2018 council unanimously supported a conditional heritage permit and city staff approved the final design tweaks earlier this year. On July 10, council voted 14-9 against rescinding the project’s heritage permit.

With a heritage permit secured, Larco can continue with the land-use approval process. The company has been eyeing a September meeting of the committee of adjustment to get an approved minor variance for the project and satisfy zoning requirements for the land.