Ottawa’s Barrhaven suburb is on the verge of a major transformation that will reshape its downtown into a vibrant, walkable, and transit-oriented urban center. With the approval of a new secondary plan by Ottawa’s city council, Barrhaven’s town center is set to evolve into a mixed-use community, complete with civic spaces, cultural centers, and green parks. This blueprint will not only meet the demands of the growing population but also establish a sustainable model for future urban development. Here, we delve into the key elements of the new plan, its long-term benefits, and its potential to enhance the quality of life for Barrhaven’s residents.
The Need for Revitalization: Addressing Barrhaven’s Growth Challenges
For over a decade, Barrhaven’s town center has been governed by a 13-year-old community design and secondary plan. Despite its initial potential, the town center has seen slow growth, largely due to its reliance on big-box retail stores and underutilized land. The existing plan was crafted when the area’s population was far smaller, and its vision for a mixed-use, vibrant downtown core was never fully realized.
Today, Barrhaven’s population has grown substantially, nearing the 100,000 mark, which demands a significant overhaul of the town’s urban fabric. The new blueprint seeks to transform Barrhaven from a suburban hub into a fully integrated, pedestrian-friendly town center. The plan focuses on creating a thriving, mixed-use community that balances residential, commercial, and cultural spaces, ensuring the town center becomes a vibrant focal point for both residents and visitors.
A Vision for the Future: Key Features of the New Plan
1. Mixed-Use Development and Residential Growth
A cornerstone of the new Barrhaven downtown plan is its emphasis on mixed-use development. The area north of Chapman Mills Drive will be designated for a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that combines residential spaces with commercial and retail offerings. The land between Chapman Mills Drive and the Jock River will predominantly focus on residential units, catering to the growing demand for housing.
The plan encourages the development of high-density housing close to transit corridors, fostering a more sustainable and compact urban environment. This approach aligns with the city’s broader goal of reducing urban sprawl and promoting walkable communities. The proposed residential areas will provide diverse housing options, from low-rise apartments to high-rise condominiums, designed to cater to a wide range of residents.
2. A Transit-Oriented Downtown Core
One of the most forward-thinking aspects of Barrhaven’s downtown revitalization is its focus on creating a transit-oriented core. The planned expansion of Chapman Mills Drive will provide a crucial transportation corridor connecting Barrhaven to the broader Ottawa region. This arterial road will be prioritized as a mixed-use transit corridor, enhancing access to public transportation and reducing dependency on private vehicles.
With the eventual intersection of two rapid-transit corridors within Barrhaven, the town center will become a hub for commuters and residents alike. By integrating transit options directly into the urban fabric, the plan promotes sustainable mobility, which is essential for reducing traffic congestion and improving the overall quality of life in the area.
3. Public Spaces and Civic Amenities
The new Barrhaven downtown plan places significant emphasis on public spaces and civic amenities. At the heart of the town center, a civic complex is envisioned, serving as a community gathering space that fosters cultural and social interactions. The civic complex could house a performing arts center, echoing the popular Shenkman Arts Centre in Orléans. This cultural hub will provide much-needed space for local events, performances, and community activities, creating a sense of identity and pride for Barrhaven’s residents.
Additionally, the plan includes the creation of a district park along the Jock River, offering recreational opportunities and green space for relaxation and outdoor activities. A linear park, extending from Chapman Mills Drive to the river, will serve as a pedestrian-friendly corridor, connecting Barrhaven’s new town center to its southern neighborhoods.
4. Sustainable Development: Green Spaces and Environmental Integration
Barrhaven’s transformation plan places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with green spaces integrated into the urban design. The new development will ensure that the town center remains environmentally friendly, with sustainable building practices, energy-efficient designs, and the preservation of natural areas. The district park and linear park are key features that will provide residents with ample green space, promoting outdoor activities and enhancing the area’s environmental quality.
Moreover, the plan includes the revitalization of Barrhaven’s road, cycling, and pedestrian networks, reinforcing the pedestrian experience and improving the public realm. A well-connected network of walking and cycling paths will encourage active transportation, further supporting a greener and more sustainable urban environment.
5. Retail and Commercial Development
While Barrhaven’s retail landscape has traditionally been dominated by large-format stores, the new plan envisions a more diverse and dynamic commercial area. The Strandherd retail district will be expanded to accommodate the growing community, while also ensuring that future developments align with the goals of creating a compact, transit-oriented town center.
The introduction of mixed-use spaces will allow for a combination of residential, retail, and office spaces, creating a vibrant environment where people can live, work, and shop all in one location. This shift from a car-dependent retail landscape to a more pedestrian-friendly commercial space is critical for the long-term success of Barrhaven’s downtown.
6. Designated Heights and Density Adjustments
As part of the new plan, the city has also proposed adjustments to building heights and density targets. The revised guidelines allow for a range of building heights, from two stories to a maximum of 30 stories, depending on proximity to transit stations and the surrounding environment. This flexible approach will help the city accommodate growth while ensuring that the built form is appropriate for the area’s context.
Higher-density buildings will be concentrated near transit hubs, ensuring that new developments are well-integrated into the transportation network. These taller structures will provide more housing options while preserving the character of the surrounding low-rise residential neighborhoods.
A Look Ahead: Barrhaven’s Growing Future
With the approval of this new secondary plan, Barrhaven is poised to become one of Ottawa’s most exciting and dynamic neighborhoods. The combination of mixed-use development, enhanced transit access, public spaces, and sustainable design will not only improve the livability of the town center but will also make Barrhaven a model for suburban revitalization in the 21st century.
This transformation is a direct response to the needs of Barrhaven’s growing population and is set to provide the community with the infrastructure and amenities it deserves. The new Barrhaven downtown will not only become a center of commerce and culture but will also be a hub for sustainable urban living, offering a high quality of life for current and future residents.
As Barrhaven’s downtown evolves, it will undoubtedly become a model for suburban development, demonstrating how thoughtful urban planning can create vibrant, resilient communities. The future of Barrhaven is bright, and its transformation is just beginning.