Ottawa Planning Panel Clears Zoning Amendments for $38M Riverside South Community and Library Hub

OTTAWA, ON — Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve key Official Plan and zoning amendments paving the way for construction of the Riverside South Community Centre and Library at 250 Town Square Place.

Architectural Redesign and Active Transportation

The approved zoning relief modifies existing frontage standards to allow a pedestrian-scaled, energy-efficient building footprint set back from arterial traffic. The revised design integrates wider sidewalks, protected cycling paths, public plazas, and enhanced tree canopies connecting the civic facility directly with the Stage 2 LRT Limebank Station.

The complex will include a 25,000-square-foot branch of the Ottawa Public Library, a double gymnasium, multi-purpose community rooms, and a 10.9-hectare district park equipped with lit sports fields and recreational pathways.

Faith Institution Parking Flexibility

In a related statutory amendment, the committee approved flexible zoning provisions permitting places of worship within downtown and transit-oriented corridors to lease surplus weekday parking capacity to commercial and residential commuters. The policy aims to generate ancillary revenue for faith organizations while optimizing existing asphalt assets.

Suburban councillors highlighted that Riverside South has experienced rapid population growth without corresponding municipal recreation facilities, making the project a top suburban priority.

Full Council Vote Scheduled

The zoning recommendations will move to the full Ottawa City Council for formal ratification at its regular meeting on August 26, 2026.