The Ottawa International Airport Authority is challenging the city’s decision to approve a major residential development directly beneath a busy flight path.
City Approved 660-Home Development Near Runway
In June, city councillors voted to support zoning changes for Taggart Realty’s plan to build 660 homes near Riverside Drive and Hunt Club Road — only 950 metres from the end of the airport’s longest runway.
Before the vote, airport officials warned that constant aircraft noise would inevitably trigger complaints from future residents, potentially leading to pressure for new limits on airport operations.
Airport Takes the Fight to the Ontario Land Tribunal
The airport authority has now appealed the decision to the Ontario Land Tribunal, which hears disputes involving municipal planning.
A case management conference is scheduled for Tuesday to narrow issues, establish agreed-upon facts, and explore potential settlement options.
Airport spokesperson Krista Kealey said in a statement to CBC that building homes so close to the airport is “not in the best interest of potential residents or airport stakeholders.” She added that the authority has been consistent in its position and will follow due process.
Airport Cites Noise, Height Restrictions, and Safety Concerns
In its notice of appeal, the airport argues that the zoning changes violate provincial policies intended to protect airport operations from incompatible land uses.
According to the airport:
- Noise levels over part of the development site would exceed Transport Canada’s thresholds for residential construction.
- Approved building heights may violate federal airport zoning rules, posing “serious potential aviation safety concerns.”
The project includes four towers between nine and 17 storeys, along with townhouses and single-family homes. While towers were already permitted, new zoning approvals were required for the low-rise sections.
City Says Airport Faces “Heavy Onus” in Challenge
During earlier discussions, city lawyer Tim Marc told councillors the airport would face “a heavy onus” if it attempted to overturn the decision.
The site sits just outside the airport’s operating influence zone, where residential development is restricted due to noise. However, it does fall within a broader airport vicinity zone that allows residential construction but imposes height limits.
Local Councillor Supports the Development
The project is located in River ward, represented by Coun. Riley Brockington. He told CBC that both he and the local community association support the proposal.
“The airport has the right to appeal,” Brockington said. “They can make their case, and so will the city. But we have neighbourhoods that abut the airport on all sides that have coexisted for some time. We want to see more housing built in the city.”
