Convent plan divides Westboro residents

Residents of Ottawa’s Westboro neighbourhood are divided over a proposal that would transform a cloistered convent into a residential development

Hundreds of people attended a meeting at St. George’s Church on Piccadilly Avenue Wednesday night to hear from Ashcroft Homes, the company behind the proposed redevelopment of the Les Soeurs de la Visitation convent.

A local businessman built the original building in1880, and an addition built in 1919.

The property was sold in the fall, and the few remaining sisters who still live at the convent are expected to move out in the coming months.

The developer wants to renovate the convent and surround it with a courtyard and new buildings, including two condominium towers and a residence for seniors. The new development would also include retail and commercial space.

"If people take the time and actually look at what we’re proposing, they’re going to be pretty excited with it," chief architect Rod Lahey said.

"It’s going to invite the public into a series of interconnected courtyards and open spaces that are going to be fun to experience," said Paul Rothwell, a spokesman for Ashcroft Homes.

Some residents are concerned, however, that development of the roughly two-hectare site will have a negative impact on the neighbourhood.

Gary Ludington, attended Wednesday’s meeting, said he’s concerned about the scale of the project.

"When does intensification become too much?" he asked.

An impromptu show of hands at the meeting failed to show overwhelming support for or against the project.

Ashcroft Homes still needs the city to rezone the land before it can move forward with the development.