WHY ARE WE STILL FIGHTING?
- We chose to live in a community built around greenspace. That hasn’t changed over 7 years — and neither has our resolve. We are not going away.
- Our community remains strongly opposed to development on the Kanata Golf Course lands. The KGPC has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, organized town halls, events, and campaigns to support the City and keep this issue in the spotlight.
- The proposed development raises serious concerns: public health risks, flooding and stormwater failures, property damage, and safety hazards. Planning experts have called it incompatible, inappropriate, and fundamentally flawed.
WHAT ABOUT THE “40% AGREEMENT”?
- The intent was clear: this land was meant to remain community greenspace — our park, forever.
- The City of Ottawa continues to oppose the development despite legal losses
- The Mayor and Councillor Cathy Curry are actively fighting to stop it. The City has:
- Passed a motion directing City staff to do everything in their power to oppose the development and preserve the greenspace
- Issued no permits
- Refused easement access
WHO IS OPPOSED?
- Thousands of residents
- The City of Ottawa
- Our MPP Karen McCrimmon and MP Jenna Sudds
- The National Capital Commission
- Kanata North Tech Park leaders
- Local environmental and conservation groups
CAN THE DEVELOPERS START BUILDING?
No. They must first satisfy the remaining 185 conditions set by the Ontario Land Tribunal — and they are far from doing so. That’s expected to take years. This is not a done deal.
WHY WAS THIS GIVEN DRAFT PLAN APPROVAL?
- The decision by the Ontario Land Tribunal has raised serious concerns.
- Our advocacy efforts have drawn attention from groups like the Association of Municipalities of Ontario who have raised our case with the Attorney General.
- Communities and cities should have a stronger voice in their own land use decisions.
WHY IS STORMWATER A MAJOR ISSUE?
- The golf course is an essential component of our stormwater system — our sponge.
- Its removal could increase flooding risks in Kanata Lakes and Beaverbrook.
- The Beaver Pond, another critical component, is already near capacity.
- Concerns remain about whether a viable stormwater solution is possible.
WHAT ABOUT CONTAMINATION?
- The site contains known mercury and other toxic contaminants.
Undisturbed, they pose little risk. Development spreads contamination by air and water.
- Our advocacy has forced stronger oversight. Environmental studies are being reviewed and redone because the KGPC raised concerns about gaps and omissions.
- Questions remain about whether the land can be safely remediated and at what cost.
WHAT ABOUT THE CURRENT EARTHWORKS?
- The developers are allowed to conduct testing to try to meet development conditions.
- Some City officials have commented this level of activity is highly unusual for such a sensitive site. The KGPC has engaged expert volunteers pressing on this issue.
WHAT ABOUT DAMAGE TO HOMES?
- Residents are encouraged to document their homes through pre-construction surveys.
- Current testing is causing significant noise, vibration, and disruption. Some residents are experiencing this from 7 am – 10 pm (Mon – Sat), due to existing bylaw rules.
- Full construction would be far more severe, with blasting and heavy building activity raising concerns about potential risks to nearby homes.
WHAT IS THE KGPC DOING?
- Working closely with all elected officials and independent legal, engineering, and scientific experts, as we continue to challenge every aspect of this plan
- Pushing for oversight and transparency through Engage Ottawa Kanata Lakes
- Continuing to identify new issues/approaches and advocating to all governments
- Most of all, we keep you informed. SUPPORT US. BUY a lawn sign
WHAT’S NEXT?
This is a marathon, not a sprint. While the City continues to fight, more action is needed from both municipal and provincial governments to stop this development.
While developers conduct testing, we are doing everything possible to protect our community.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
If this development proceeds, our community faces:
- Increased flooding risk
- Potential air and water contamination
- Damage to homes from blasting and construction
- Potential impacts on property value (estimated ~15%)
- Loss of wildlife habitat
- Permanent loss of irreplaceable urban greenspace
OUR MESSAGE IS SIMPLE
This open greenspace matters. This community matters. And this fight is not over.