Latest news with #JoelTkach
CTV News
18-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa Airport Authority opposed to proposed housing development on Riverside Drive
An Air Canada plane takes off from the airport, Monday, July 8, 2024 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld The City of Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee has approved a zoning amendment for a proposed housing development on Riverside Drive that is facing opposition from the Ottawa International Airport Authority. The Taggart Group is proposing a development that would add 660 units in a mix of single-detached and semi-detached homes, townhouses, and apartments in four mid- to high-rise buildings. City staff recommend councillors approve the zoning change to allow low-rise development including single and semi-detached dwellings and new height limits. Staff say in a report prepared for committee that the zoning amendments align with applicable policies for the area and the land sits outside the zones closest to the airport. Councillors on the committee voted 8 to 3 in favour of the zoning change. Riley Brockington, Laine Johnson, Theresa Kavanagh, Clarke Kelly, Catherine Kitts, Tim Tierney, Ariel Troster, and Jeff Leiper voted in favour. Laura Dudas, Cathy Curry and Wilson Lo voted against. Planning committee Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee meets June 18, 2025. (Kimberley Fowler/CTV News Ottawa) Airport Authority opposes development Joel Tkach, vice‑president of business development & marketing at the Ottawa International Airport Authority, spoke to committee to express the airport's opposition to the development. 'This site sits underneath the flight path of Runway 14 32 – YOW's longest – and within the circuit loop for general aviation and flight training on Runway 04 22 – our shortest,' he said. 'On average, eighty aircraft movements occur here daily, at altitudes between 50 to 150 metres. Although the proposed residential development land lies just barely outside the Airport Operating Influence Zone, noise doesn't respect lines on a map.' Airport zoning map A map showing Ottawa International Airport zoning regulations. The magenta star represents the site of a proposed housing development at 3930 Riverside Dr. (City of Ottawa) City staff say a noise feasibility assessment was done one the site to review both roadway traffic and aircraft noise. 'Typical commercial windows are expected to be sufficient to attenuate aircraft noise; in addition, a detailed noise assessment will be required at the time of site plan control review and approval for specific noise control measures,' the report said. Tkach said, however, the development could harm airport operations. 'We've seen what happens when homes encroach on airports. Montreal‑Trudeau, Toronto‑Pearson, and Toronto-Billy Bishop downtown have all endured waves of complaints, political pressure, curfews, and therefore lost air service,' he said. Tkach said the airport received 140 noise complaints from approximately 85 homes last year. 'We confirm that residents will endure constant overhead traffic from heavy jets and low‑flying single‑engine aircraft. And guess what? A note on title about airport proximity does nothing to comfort someone who can't sleep, can't concentrate, or can't enjoy their own home.' Development designed to reduce noise Kyle Kazda, development manager with Taggart, told committee the design of the project would help shield residents from noise. 'Part of the layout of the site from the beginning did consider the potential for impacts from both airport noise and traffic from Hunt Club and Riverside. This has informed the massing of the towers along those two major streets, which, at minimum would shield, from a traffic noise perspective, the low-rise residential from that exposure,' he said. He said the low-rise buildings would use wall components, roof sheathing and insulation intended to dampen noise for residents inside. 'We also will be undertaking site-specific noise studies for the four apartment blocks on the site, which will include on-site receptors measuring aircraft noise and then ensuring that those building components also will properly attenuate noise to ensure residents are comfortable.' Homebuyers and tenants would be informed in advance of the potential for noise when moving in, Kazda added. Audrey Belanger, president of the Hunt Club Community Association, urged committee to approve the zoning amendment. 'The biggest mistake we and council members could make, is to think that our personal preferences are representative of everyone's needs,' she said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa. 'We need housing and infrastructure that meets all residents', current and future, needs and not just what we personally currently want or use.' The report will go to full city council June 25.
CBC
18-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Ottawa airport authority tries to block 660 homes proposed under flight path
The Ottawa International Airport Authority is opposing a large housing development under a busy flight path, warning that future residents will suffer from constant noise and might one day organize to restrict airport operations. But council's planning and housing committee wasn't swayed. It voted in favour of the project on Wednesday, after the local community association welcomed the 660 housing units the development would bring to the corner of Riverside Drive and Hunt Club Road. Joel Tkach, the airport authority's vice-president of business development and marketing, pleaded with councillors not to allow the development. He said the site is only 950 metres away from the end of the airport's longest runway where the largest planes take off. About 80 aircraft would fly over the development daily. "We've seen fallout when homes encroach on airports. Montreal Trudeau, Toronto Pearson and Toronto Billy Bishop downtown have all endured waves of complaints, political pressures and resulting curfews and therefore lost air service," he told the committee. "The consequences are real: fewer flights, reduced cargo capacity, diminished global connections and lost jobs." The project would also sit under a circuit for general aviation and flight training for a different runway, Tkach added. Airplane noise 'does not respect arbitrary lines' The site is just outside the airport's operating influence zone where residential development is restricted due to noise impacts. It lies within the larger airport vicinity development zone, which allows residential development but imposes height limits. But Tkach said the lines on the influence zone were curved to align with a bend in Riverside Drive. The noise shakes walls, wakes babies, frays nerves. - Joel Tkach, Ottawa International Airport Authority "Noise does not respect arbitrary lines on a map," he said, and went on to paint a picture of what might happen if the project goes forward. "A family moves into their new home. The windows are open for fresh air. The children are in bed. Then a jet roars overhead, then another, then another," he said. "The noise shakes walls, wakes babies, frays nerves. The next day, flight training resumes, aircraft circling overhead all day with no reprieve." Despite those concerns, city staff recommended that councillors approve the zoning changes the project needs to go forward. The development, proposed by Taggart Realty, includes four apartment buildings with nine to 17 floors, as well as dozens of townhouses and single family homes. Already zoned for housing Paul Black of Fotenn Planning and Design, which is working with Taggart, said the site is already zoned to permit housing including apartment buildings. He said the project team is simply asking councillors to approve minor zoning changes, including to "refine" building heights. Taggart development manager Kyle Kazda said the risk of airport noise will be clearly communicated to incoming residents through sale and lease agreements. Audrey Belanger, president of the Hunt Club Community Association, also spoke out in favour of the project, saying housing is desperately needed in the area. "When new housing goes up, even when it's market rent, that helps alleviate the housing crisis and prices within the surrounding area," she said. "As a community association, we get emails on the regular from families looking for housing in our area, so there's definitely a need, and nobody's asking us about the planes." The committee approved the needed zoning changes with eight votes for and three against. It will now go to council for a final decision.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Porter Expands in Ottawa With New Victoria Service
TORONTO, January 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Porter Airlines' Ottawa network continues to grow with the addition of a new nonstop route to Western Canada. Starting May 15, 2025, service between Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and Victoria International Airport (YYJ) will operate for the summer season with up to four weekly roundtrip flights. The British Columbia capital is the second destination in the province, joining Vancouver, with direct routes to Ottawa. The initial schedule is as follows: Route Departure Arrival Days of Operation Ottawa (YOW) to Victoria (YYJ) 8:35 a.m. 10:55 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Victoria (YYJ) to Ottawa (YOW) 11:50 a.m. 7:35 p.m. All times are local Flights will be operated on Porter's 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, providing an elevated economy experience for all passengers, with no middle seats, free, fast WiFi, and complimentary beer, wine, and snacks for everyone. For travellers looking for an all-inclusive experience, the PorterReserve fare includes fresh, healthy meals, enhanced legroom, dedicated check-in, and two checked bags, amongst other perks. The same options are available for purchase à la carte under the PorterClassic fare. This is the 20th nonstop route available from Ottawa. Connections for Victoria are available through Ottawa to Porter's Eastern Canada network, including Halifax, Charlottetown, Fredericton, and St. John's. The service complements Porter's existing Toronto-Victoria route. Currently operating one daily roundtrip, the route increases to 10 weekly roundtrips in May. For more information and detailed schedules, visit Quotes"Ottawa continues to be a growing market for us. This route provides more passengers the opportunity to discover Porter's award-winning elevated economy experience. With Victoria as our latest addition, travellers now have more options to fly across the country with us." — Andrew Pierce, vice president network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines "We are excited to welcome another route connecting Ottawa non-stop to British Columbia. Porter's new service to Victoria will provide 'capital' coverage from coast-to-coast through YOW. This service is ideal for both origin and destination travellers, as well as those making connections at YOW for places beyond." — Joel Tkach, Vice President, Business Development, Marketing and Customer Transportation About PorterSince 2006, Porter Airlines has been elevating the experience of economy air travel for every passenger, providing genuine hospitality with style, care and charm. Porter's fleet of Embraer E195-E2 and De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft serves a North American network from Eastern Canada. Headquartered in Toronto, Porter is an Official 4 Star Airline® in the World Airline Star Rating®. Visit or follow @porterairlines on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. View source version on Contacts Media:Porter Airlinesmedia@
