Posted on: November 10th, 2025 by Chris Scott
It’s incredibly disappointing to see Clublink move forward with closing the Kanata Golf & Country Club in favour of development. For decades, this course has been a defining part of the Kanata Lakes community — not just a patch of green space, but a promise. A promise that helped shape home values, neighbourhood identity, and the very reason many families chose to live there in the first place.
It is also close to home as my boys enjoyed playing there this year with their Grandpa. It was some of our most memorable moments from the past summer.
What breaks my heart most is thinking about the homeowners who bought with the understanding — and yes, expectation — that they would have golf course views for the lifetime of their homes. Many paid large premiums. Many built their lives around that open space, that privacy, that sense of calm. To have that taken away is more than frustrating — it feels like a betrayal.
What’s even harder to wrap my head around is how a development with essentially zero public support — not from the local councillor, not from the MP, and certainly not from the mayor — could still push ahead and get approved. The community has been loud, organized, and united. Petitions, town halls, planning meetings — the message has been consistent: we don’t want this. Yet somehow, the desires of the residents who actually live here and elsewhere in Ottawa were outweighed.
It’s astounding, and frankly, unacceptable.
Clublink had an opportunity to stand by the community that supported them for decades. Instead, they chose to sell out. I understand business decisions, but there is a difference between business and values. This decision lacks the latter.
I truly hope that builders across Ottawa recognize the weight of this. Land comes with history — and reputation. I would be proud to see some of the city’s more respected builders take a stand and decline involvement in developing here. Not because they can’t build well, but because we need a message that communities matter. Commitments matter. Neighbourhood identity matters.
Will a boycott happen? Probably not. But it would be powerful to see people hit pause and ask: At what cost? What kind of city do we want to be? One that honours long-standing neighbourhood character and resident trust — or one that allows corporate interests to override community voice?
Posted on: June 10th, 2024 by Chris Scott
Thinking about adding a secondary unit to your existing home? Secondary dwellings, also known as in-law suites or accessory apartments, can offer various benefits such as additional income and increased property value. Here’s a concise guide on what you need to know before embarking on this home improvement journey in Ottawa.
Understanding the Basics
What is a Secondary Dwelling? A secondary dwelling is a self-contained unit with its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. It can be part of your existing house or a separate structure on your property.
Key Considerations:
- Zoning Requirements: Check if your area allows secondary units using the geoOttawa tool.
- Building Permits: Essential for ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
- Building Code Compliance: Ensure your construction meets the minimum standards.
- Inspections: The City of Ottawa will inspect your unit during construction.
Ottawa-Specific Rules
Size and Access:
- A secondary unit can occupy up to 40% of your principal dwelling’s floor area. There’s no size limit for basement units.
- The unit must have a separate ground floor entrance and should not add a new doorway on the front wall of your home.
Parking and Location:
- The secondary unit cannot eliminate the required parking for the main dwelling.
- Additional parking is not mandatory, but if added, it cannot be in the front yard.
Dwelling Types Permitted:
- Detached dwellings, linked-detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, and duplexes (existing as of July 17, 2013).
Financial Benefits and Costs
Adding a secondary dwelling can affect your property taxes and insurance. Here are some costs you might incur:
- Remodeling Costs: Ranges from $30,000 to $100,000, covering elements like firewalls, egress, heating systems, bathrooms, kitchens, and electrical upgrades.
- Permit Fees: Minimum of $100.
Financial Assistance:
- Better Homes Ottawa Loan Program: Offers fixed-rate, low-interest loans for home energy improvements, covering up to 30% of the cost for secondary suites.
Rental Income and Payback
Using the median rental prices from the Ottawa Neighborhood Study, the payback period for your investment can be calculated. For example, with an average cost of $100,000 and a monthly rent of $1,503, the payback period is approximately 5.54 years.
Enhancing Energy Efficiency
When adding a secondary suite, consider improving your home’s energy efficiency:
- Building Envelope: Upgrade walls, windows, doors, roof, foundation, and insulation.
- Heating and Cooling: Install efficient systems like cold climate heat pumps.
- Renewables: Add solar panels, geothermal systems, and battery backups.
- Smart Technology: Use smart thermostats and LED lights.
- Resilience Measures: Implement stormwater management and install cool or green roofs.
Adding a secondary dwelling is a substantial investment that can yield significant returns through rental income and increased property value. Ensuring compliance with Ottawa’s specific regulations and enhancing your home’s energy efficiency will maximize the benefits of this project.
For more detailed information, visit the City of Ottawa’s website and the Better Homes Ottawa program
