Ottawa is facing a housing crisis — and it’s time for action.

Our shelters are overflowing. Our homeless population is skyrocketing. Rental costs and mortgage payments are crushing our middle class.

Not even a city councillor’s salary would qualify you for a mortgage for a starter home in Ottawa.

The proposal for 6310 Hazeldean adds 431 apartments on a major corridor that is set to be expanded, and while the Official Plan permits up to 40 storeys, Devmont has proposed a modest 25. The zoning by-law, not yet updated to match the Official Plan, is more restrictive, which is why our support is needed for this project.

The development includes more parking than units to respect the reality that Stittsville is a long way from a walkable, human-scale community. At the same time, it is the first major step in important densification of the Hazeldean-Carp-Main triangle that should become a wonderful, walkable suburban town centre in future years.

Densification brings more residents and more tax dollars to support service improvements, including roads and transit. It brings affordability, a stronger sense of community, and homes for children to grow into and for seniors to retire into.

According to a recent study conducted by the trade association for Alberta credit unions, Alberta Central, Ottawa housing prices need to fall by 38% to return to be considered affordable. Increasing supply of much-needed housing is essential to accommodate for future growth and the existing shortage, so it is crucial that such developments proceed.

We are calling on city officials and developers alike to move forward with this proposal and others like it. We urge them to scale back the parking and angular planes, where possible, to comply with the letter and the spirit of the Official Plan. This will ensure that any new construction enhances rather than disrupts our beloved community.

Please sign this petition if you too believe in enhancing Stittsville’s unique charm while addressing housing needs responsibly.