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The park would be built by the city.

Claridge spent the past three years talking with the city and the NCC about the plan, he said. But it’s just that — a vision. The city would have to agree. And it could be 10 to 15 years before it’s all built, said Brown.

“This is our vision of what it could be. It does justice to the heritage and significance of the aqueduct.”

There was a steady flow of people at the open house, looking at maps and analyzing the plans.

The proposed towers might “clash with the ugly (Claridge) buildings already there,” joked Philip Pelletier, who lives in one of them with his wife, Della Faulkner. They were among the first residents to move into one of the Claridge condos on the Flats, which he describes as ugly on the outside but attractive inside. They both bike and take transit, so are looking forward to the LRT line and the chance to shop close by.

“I like the park space and the grocery store,” said Faulkner.

Main elements of the Claridge plan

Five residential towers: three of them would be 25 storeys, one would be 30 storeys and the “landmark” tower would be 55 storeys.

Housing that would include condos, apartments, seniors housing and affordable units, although the exact mix has yet to be determined.

Shops, cafés and other services on the ground floor of the towers.

A circular park near the aqueduct, and green space running alongside it.

A network of paths and streets to improve connections both within LeBreton and to the riverfront. One of the paths would run right over the aqueduct.

Booth Street would be “urbanized” to redefine its character and make it more inviting and comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists.