The second draft of the new Ottawa Zoning By-law was released to the public on March 20, 2025. The focus is on increased density following provincial guidelines and does not consider roads, infrastructure or transit.
What are the changes to Blackburn Hamlet?
A number of years ago, when the neighbourhood classifications were not directly linked to zoning density, Blackburn Hamlet was classed in the Outer Urban transect and Orleans was classed in the Suburban transect, even though the character of our neighbourhood aligns closer to those of our neighbours in Orleans.
Under the proposed zoning By-law, neighbourhoods in the Outer Urban transect will be allocated higher density zoning than those in the Suburban transect. This means that a detached home in Blackburn Hamlet that is currently zoned as R1 would now be zoned as N2 (to allow up to 6 units to be built on a single lot), where a similar R1 property in the neighbouring community of Chapel Hill would be zoned as N1 (up to 4 units to be built on a single property).
For more information, visit engage.ottawa.ca/zoning or read the summary provided by Councillor Dudas’ team at blackburnhamlet.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Blackburn-Hamlet-Proposed-Zoning-Primer20250514.pdf.
What is the position of the Blackburn Community Association?
The BCA supports densification and has been supportive of the current slate of approved and under development projects. We are concerned, however, that the increased density being proposed for Outer Urban neighbourhoods will push the limits of our neighborhood infrastructure (Roads and Sewer/Water) beyond their capacity. As a result, we propose that the city of Ottawa extend the Suburban zoning classification to align Blackburn Hamlet with our neighbouring Suburban communities.
What can I do?
No matter what happens, the zoning density will be increased, as it has been mandated by the Province. Our goal is to work with the residents of Blackburn Hamlet to voice concerns about any density increase beyond the Suburban limits and we need your help to achieve this!
Attend a consultation session: both in-person consultation opportunities are available.
- In-person open house: Monday, June 2 from 6:30PM to 8:00 PM at Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Drive).
- Virtual open houses: Thursday, May 29 and Tuesday, June 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Registration information will be posted at engage.ottawa.ca/zoning.
Sign our petition: stand with the BCA and reinforce our concerns: chng.it/h8yJYZFRSY
Submit your feedback: complete the online survey at engage.ottawa.ca/zoning or email NewZoning@Ottawa.ca.
Contact Counciller Dudas: no matter what option you choose, please ensure that Councillor Dudas is aware by emailing Laura.Dudas@Ottawa.ca.
Attendance and Feedback Matter! The more voices heard, the more attention they get from the politicians and City staff.