Sharing Councillor Curry’s Kanata Lakes Golf Course Lands update from March 20th:
I have heard from many residents in recent weeks regarding activity at the former Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club lands at 7000 Campeau Drive. Residents have described seeing heavy equipment on site, large areas of soil disturbance, vibrations felt in nearby homes, and standing water forming across parts of the course. I understand how concerning this is, particularly given the history and importance of these lands to our community.
I want to be very clear: I remain fully engaged on this file and committed to ensuring that residents’ concerns are taken seriously and that all appropriate oversight is in place. While development approvals for these lands were granted through the Ontario Land Tribunal, the City continues to have important responsibilities during the construction phase of any project. These include environmental oversight, stormwater and drainage management, and ensuring that impacts on nearby residents are properly addressed.
In addition, these lands are subject to longstanding agreements and covenants that were put in place to protect drainage patterns, preserve open space, and maintain the broader environmental function of the area. These protections remain relevant and are an important part of how activities on the site must be assessed and monitored. City staff have advised that development inspectors are attending the site regularly and that independent engineering review is underway. I have also raised questions regarding environmental oversight, particularly given the documented history of mercury in portions of the site, and have asked for confirmation that the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is aware of current activities and satisfied that appropriate safeguards are in place. Residents have also raised concerns about the presence of standing water across parts of the course. I have asked staff to confirm that stormwater and erosion control measures are functioning properly and that downstream systems are protected.
Two independent experts have previously written to the City outlining technical concerns related to soil disturbance on these lands. I have requested that these submissions be formally reviewed so that residents can have confidence that all relevant expertise is being considered.
I have also written to the mayor to request updates on the City’s oversight and to ensure that clear, consistent information is being provided to residents. I know that many in our community feel frustrated and uncertain right now. It is entirely reasonable to ask questions when significant construction activity begins adjacent to established homes, particularly on lands with a long history as valued greenspace and with documented mercury contamination. Please know that this work is being closely followed, and that I will continue to advocate for transparency, precaution, and the protection of our community’s interests, while continuing to explore all appropriate avenues available to the City.
If you observe issues such as significant vibration, excessive dust, or drainage concerns, please continue to report them to my office and to kanatalakes@ottawa.ca so your concerns can be documented and followed up with City staff.
Residents can also view the news article that was in the Ottawa Citizen as a PDF at Developer to perform mercury testing on former golf course or on the Ottawa Citizen website here.