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The National Capital Commission’s board of directors has unanimously approved the high-level plans to redevelop the old Domtar lands.

Windmill Developments has an ambitious plan for the 15-hectare site known as the Islands near Chaudiere Falls that would see three million square feet of new building — largely residential — and would include condos as high as 15 storeys, numerous parks, a hotel, stores, restaurants and loft-style offices, and a developed waterfront on the Gatineau side of the project.

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The NCC’s approval Tuesday was the third official blessing the Windmill project has received in five months. Last fall, both Ottawa and Gatineau city councils approved the plans. While the NCC’s support for the project is essential, only a small portion of the land in question is federal land — most of it is the former Domtar industrial property.

That doesn’t mean that everyone is in favour of the development. The lands near the Chaudière Falls are sacred to the Algonquin people and many have spoken out against the proposal. Ottawa’s approval of the plan is being appealed by several people to the Ontario Municipal Board, including by renown architect Douglas Cardinal who designed the former Museum of Civilization.