4.0 Community Design Plan

A land use plan implements Official Plan policies, but responds to area conditions and community feedback. It is future-oriented and reflects planning direction for the future of North Gower. North Gower’s Land Use Plan - Schedule A is comprised of the following land use designations:

• Residential
• Village Centre
• Highway Commercial
• Future Commercial
• Local Commercial
• Institutional
• Industrial
• Open Space
• Agriculture

Each of the land use designations is described in terms of intent, examples of permitted land uses, and associated policies. These designations will be translated into zoning for inclusion in the City of Ottawa’s new zoning by-law, with the exception of the Future Commercial.

It should be noted that the following will also apply to the land use plan and zoning changes:

• The maximum permitted height will be three storeys, with the exception of the village’s church steeples
• The Stevens Creek floodplain, shown in Schedule A, will be incorporated into the village’s new zoning maps as an overlay
• Although the Land Use Plan provides for a range of uses, all new development must demonstrate through hydrogeology studies in accordance with Official Plan section 4.4.2 Private Water and Wastewater Servicing, where deemed appropriate by staff, that the use can be accommodated on the site.

4.1.1 Residential

On Schedule A – Land Use, a single Residential land use designation is shown throughout the village. This designation generally applies to existing residential subdivisions and farmlands that are not affected by the Stevens Creek flood plain.

Intent

Generally detached dwellings will be the only type of residential development that will be implemented as a result of the Residential land use designation. However, this does not preclude other forms of residential development from being considered in the future in North Gower.

The intent of this designation is to also permit a variety of housing including detached dwellings, which predominate North Gower, and higher density housing so as to create opportunities for a range of housing to accommodate both young and old and for families to grow and age in place. Other forms of housing that may be considered include semi-detached dwellings, duplex dwellings, townhomes, retirement homes, and garden homes (granny flats). These uses will need to be reviewed in the context of a zoning amendment application and associated public consultation. It should be noted that an amendment to this CDP will not be required.

Permitted Uses

The primary uses in this designation will be:

1. Detached dwelling
2. Secondary dwelling unit
3. Home-based business
4. Group home

In accordance with Official Plan policy, secondary dwelling units, home-based businesses and group homes will also be permitted in all residential areas. It should be noted that garden suites will only be permitted through site specific rezoning in order to permit a closer review of site specific ability to accommodate the use.

Policies

1. Residential development will generally take place through subdivision and shall implement the following:
   1. 1. Schedule B - Parks and Open Space Plan
      2. Schedule C – Multi-Use Pathways Plan
      3. Schedule D – Future Roads Plan

1. Residential subdivision design should incorporate features that will help to maintain the village’s rural character by:
   1. 1. Incorporating rural area features that are common to the North Gower landscape into subdivision design (e.g. existing hedgerows or proposing new hedgerows that are in keeping with the existing pattern, existing barns and silo structures)
      2. Developing a stormwater management plan in consultation with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and managing stormwater on-site
      3. Including a tree streetscape plan as part of the subdivision review process to contribute to the greening of the village since many of the newer residential neighbourhoods have few trees
      4. Where possible, maintaining views to the open spaces and farms outside the village
      5. Where possible, maintaining views to the village’s landmark buildings such as the church steeples
      6. Providing a transition area in new development abutting existing residential neighbourhoods - This may include locating new detached dwellings adjacent to existing detached dwellings with possibly semi-detached and duplex dwellings located further away.
2. Subdivision plans should identify connections and easements for future roads, so that over time, local roads and pedestrian paths connect adjacent subdivisions.
3. The naming of new streets should reflect the history and heritage of North Gower.
4. There are limited opportunities to provide affordable housing in North Gower. Due to the small-scale of housing development, it is difficult for the City to impose a requirement of affordable housing. Secondary dwelling units, or separate residential units built within existing dwellings, are the most easily-created form of affordable housing available in the village. Another affordable option is a garden suite located on a homeowner’s property. A site specific temporary rezoning, for up to 10 years, will be required to permit a garden suite.
5. Minor institutional uses e.g. churches will be permitted in the Residential land use designations, but will require rezoning to accommodate the use. No amendments to this plan will be required.
6. Housing is limited to a scale and rate of growth that does not overwhelm the village character of North Gower and is in keeping with a slower pace of development desired by residents.
7. Housing will consist primarily of detached dwellings, however, multiple unit development that would provide a greater range of housing for all age groups may be considered in the context of a rezoning application.

4.1.2 Village Centre

Intent

The Village Centre area will serve as the focus for commercial activity and pedestrian activity. The intent of the Village Centre designation is to accommodate commercial, residential, and mixed-uses to further develop a main street identity.

Permitted Uses

The Village Centre designation permits a wide variety of uses to serve residents, visitors and the adjacent farming community:

1. Commercial uses and services such as stores, grocery stores, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, art galleries, banks, offices, and personal service businesses such as hair dressers.
2. Stand-alone residential uses such as detached dwellings, multi-unit dwellings, retirement homes, and mixed-use buildings with 2nd floor apartments located above businesses, and group homes.
3. Due to its proximity to the core of North Gower, Village Centre, the properties at 2361 and 2383 Church Street (H.O. Wright) will have a Village Centre designation, but with limited permitted commercial uses. This recognizes that the properties are located in a residential neighbourhood and will provide the owners with the flexibility to develop either for commercial or residential uses at a future date. Permitted commercial uses will include: office, personal service such as a hair stylist, repair business with no outdoor storage.

Policies

1. New commercial development will be located primarily in the Village Centre and will serve as the commercial focus for North Gower.
2. Development will be encouraged to respect the Village Centre heritage design guidelines found in Village Centre Plan.
3. Storefronts should be pedestrian-friendly and contribute to an active and vibrant commercial area.
4. On-site parking will be located primarily to the side or in the rear of a building, where possible, to reinforce a pedestrian-oriented environment.
5. Signage should be reflective of North Gower’s village character.
6. Where possible, street trees and landscaping should be incorporated into development.

4.1.3 Local Commercial

Intent

The intent of this designation is to accommodate commercial areas that benefit from the availability of larger parcels of land located away from the historic centre to accommodate both building and associated parking. The uses in this zone are intended to complement, but not compete with those found in the Village Centre.

Permitted Uses

The Local Commercial designation permits a variety of uses providing services to North Gower residents and neighbouring communities.

1. Commercial uses such as animal hospital, automobile service station, gas station, car sales and rental, convenience store and repair business
2. The properties at 6645 and 6649 Fourth Line Road are designated Local Commercial to recognize the existing nature of these businesses, public garage and welding operation.
3. Uses such as retail uses or small shopping plazas should be located within the Village Centre.
4. Storage yards must be visually screened on all sides from abutting uses.
5. The types of uses that would be appropriate in this designation include uses that would serve the day-to-day needs of residents requiring larger land requirements than would be available with the Village Centre designation.

4.1.4 Highway Commercial

Intent

This designation applies to lands at the south-west intersection of Roger Stevens Drive and Highway 416, directly adjacent to the provincial roadway. The intent of this designation is to accommodate commercial uses that are dependent on good highway access and visibility.

Permitted Uses

The types of permitted uses include those that are of a recreational and/or commercial type such as campground, automobile dealership, gas bar, heavy equipment and vehicle sales, kennel and drive-through restaurants.

Policies

1. Co-ordinate development so that issues such as landscaping signage, parking are developed without negatively affecting.
2. Future development of these lands should be based on ensuring that only uses that fulfill the intent for this designation establish on these lands since there is a risk to the future development of the Village Centre.

4.1.5 Future Commercial

Intent

This symbol shows the general location of a future neighbourhood-oriented commercial use(s), which could have larger land requirements than is available on Fourth Line or Roger Stevens Drive. The final location and area devoted to this use will be determined through a zoning by-law amendment and the associated studies.

Permitted uses

The types of uses envisioned for this location include those that serve the day-to-day needs of area residents, such as grocery store and drug store.

Policies

1. This area will be developed in a way that the development will have a street presence, be in close proximity to the Village Centre and have pedestrian access to the street.
2. Development of the site will connect to the proposed pathway system shown on Schedule C.
3. Sufficient screening and landscaping will be provided to minimize impact on the adjacent residential land uses.

4.1.6 Institutional

Intent

The intent of the Institutional designation is to accommodate public uses that provide services to the broad cross-section of residents.

Permitted Uses

Permitted uses include place of worship, client service centre, cemetery, fire station, library, museum, school and a community and recreational facility, such as the Alfred Taylor Recreation Facility. Although this facility has a major open space component, the Institutional designation will permit future expansions of the existing building and will permit new buildings.

Policies

1. Buildings will be designed in such a way as to fit into the neighbourhood’s building context.
2. Buildings will be located in a way that respects the privacy of adjacent residential uses.
3. Street trees should be incorporated into the development.

4.1.7 Industrial

Intent

This designation applies to the lands located at the south-west intersection of Roger Stevens Drive and Highway 416 that has been approved for an industrial subdivision. The intent of the Industrial designation is to accommodate uses that could benefit the farming community and benefit from the visibility from being located adjacent to Highway 416.

Permitted Uses

The types of uses that can be accommodated within the industrial land use include light manufacturing, building materials supply, warehouse, storage yard and farm implement sales and repair.

Policies

1. There is a desire to see the development of the Village Centre as the focus for businesses that serve the day-to-day needs of village residents. Future rezonings considered for the Industrial designation, should not detract from the development of the Village Centre.

4.1.8 Open Space

Intent

The intent of the Open Space designation is to accommodate parks and recreational areas that provide leisure facilities for residents and nearby communities.

Permitted Uses

Uses permitted in this designation include public parks, stormwater management facilities, recreation facilities, and pathways.

Policies

New parks will be developed in accordance with Schedule B - Parks and Open Space Plan and in consultation with Parks and Recreation staff. The Plan identifies the approximate location of future parks in new subdivision development. While only the conceptual location of new parks has been identified, the City’s Parks and Recreation staff will be consulted as to their size and configuration. Schedule C – Multi-Use Pathway Plan should also be consulted to ensure connectivity to other parts of the village.

1. Lands designated Open Space will be designed to be readily visible and easily accessible to the public.
2. Design of new parks will be undertaken in consultation with neighbourhood residents and residents of the village.
3. Where feasible, new parks should be located to take advantage of existing park facilities and be located adjacent to the floodplain in order to maximize existing resources.
4. The acquisition and development of lands will be in accordance with the parkland dedication by-law.
5. Where appropriate, the City will:
   1. 1. Request parkland dedication, particularly where it provides access to Stevens Creek.
      2. Request cash-in-lieu of parkland where the site, by virtue of its location or other qualities, does not have potential to contribute to the park system.

4.1.9 Agriculture

Intent

The intent of the Agriculture designation is to continue to accommodate agricultural activities on lands located on the extensive floodplain within the village. Due to the floodplain hazard posed, limited uses will be permitted in this designation.

Permitted Uses

Permitted uses in the Agricultural land use include:

1. Farm
2. Forestry use

Implementation

1. Planning staff will implement the Land Use plan by recommending zoning amendments to the Draft Comprehensive Zoning By-law that is under progress.

The North Gower Landscape

A predominant feature of the North Gower landscape is its sense of rural open space consisting of wide expanses of farmland framed by mature maple and elm hedgerows and vegetation along Stevens Creek. This rural character is further expressed through views and vistas that focus on local landmarks including church steeples, barns, silos and shed rooflines. The Park and Open Space Plan (Schedule B) respects and reinforces this rural quality and the Multi-Use Pathway System (Schedule C) connects the parks and open spaces within neighbourhoods to the Village Centre, Alfred Taylor Recreation Facility and to areas beyond the village.

Parks and Open Space Plan

The Parks and Open Space Plan identifies the location of existing neighbourhood, community parks and identifies possible future parkland in the village. Existing school and cemeteries are shown as “civic” open space. The Stevens Creek floodplain, which is primarily under private ownership, is an extensive “natural” open space corridor with potential for public access and enjoyment. Combined, these landscapes containing playgrounds, playing fields, woodlots, hedgerows, meadows, fields, manicured lawns, and vegetation along the creek and creek shoreline, form an impressive open space system in the village.

At the same time, the village open space system and nearby agricultural lands together form part of the rural landscape that extends beyond the village boundary.

Future parks are shown conceptually and are based on a review of land available for development and its relation to existing park locations, open space and community needs. In some cases, the proposed location of parks is adjacent to existing parks to expand on recreational opportunities within one site and to facilitate on-going maintenance. In other situations, future neighbourhood parks are located adjacent to the Stevens Creek natural area, but not within the floodplain. Park size cannot be identified at this time since it depends on the amount of land to be developed and this is only known at the time of a development application.

As the village grows, new parkland can be acquired through the subdivision process whereby five per cent of the land to be developed is dedicated to the municipality, as required by the Planning Act. This development charges obtained through the planning approvals process funds the cost of new park construction. The numerous park dedication policies and processes are being reviewed since they varied according to former municipality prior to municipal amalgamation. A single park dedication policy is expected in the near future.

Existing parks can also be enhanced. Although several existing neighbourhood parks have amenities such as play structures and benches, most parks are undeveloped and are grassed only (see Appendix 3 - Municipal Park Inventory). The community’s largest existing park is the Alfred Taylor Recreation Facility, which has a variety of sports fields and recreational amenities including a community hall. The site is used by numerous clubs and organizations for league and tournament play and has been incrementally built over the last 30 years. The facility can be further expanded to accommodate new sport fields on existing City-owned lands, now being farmed, located to the south and west of the recreational fields, and possibly to the north, if new parkland is dedicated through the subdivision development process. The Design Group is very supportive of further expansion of the facility in the future. A master development plan for the facility was prepared in 1993 and will be reviewed for relevance and updating.

It would be advantageous for the North Gower Improvement Society to work with village residents to co-ordinate the development and improvement of its parks. Aside from existing parks that will be improved through life-cycle maintenance, other means are available to residents to improve and request improvements of their parks:

1. Life-cycle maintenance of existing parks where specific items are replaced at the end of their life span is identified by staff
2. Minor and major capital park improvement (single park feature) that are identified and requested by the community, Councillor or staff
3. Park development/redevelopment to enhance more than one feature in a park
4. Community partnerships between residents and the City where costs are shared on a 50/50 basis
5. Cash-in-lieu of parkland funds from the subdivision development process, which can fund park improvements
6. Sports fields – development or improvement
7. Outdoor rink infrastructure

Residents of Meadowbrook Park in North Gower are already taking advantage of some of these for their winter activities.

Policies

1. The Parks and Open Space Plan shows the conceptual location of new parks, and will serve as a guide during the development approvals and park planning process. Other park locations may be considered, but conform to the intent of the Parks and Open Space Plan.
2. In North Gower, there will be two types of municipal parks provided. At the local level, there will be smaller scale “neighbourhood parks” which serve the surrounding residential areas. The Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre is a well used “community park” that serves a diverse population, not only village residents, but also communities from outside the village. Any new parks will either be developed as “neighbourhood” or “community” parks.
3. The design of future parks and the enhancement of existing parks will involve community consultation.
4. Developers and residents should consider naming parks using names of early pioneers as a means of respecting their heritage and rural roots. Some existing parks could also be renamed, as there is a discrepancy in the community as to the “official” park name. All proposed park naming must follow the City’s established commemorative naming process.
5. The North Gower Improvement Society has initiated plantings on many existing parks. In order to ensure that trees are planted in a manner that still allows for future park improvements, new tree plantings should be coordinated between residents and Parks and Recreation staff.
6. New plantings in parks should enhance and add to the existing rural tree patterns of shade trees and hedgerows characteristic of the community.

Implementation

1. Parks and Recreation staff will review and update the Alfred Taylor Recreation Facility Master Plan as part of their 2008 work program. This work will look at issues and opportunities associated with expansion and land acquisition for recreational needs and other related concerns.

A multi-use pathway system that will accommodate walkers, runners and cyclists will connect and link parks and open spaces within neighbourhoods to the Village Centre and to areas beyond the village. This multi-use pathway system will provide links to Roger Stevens Drive, Prince of Wales Drive and Fourth Line Roads, which have been identified as future cycle routes in the City of Ottawa’s draft Cycling Plan. It will also tie into the rural major recreational pathways identified in Schedule J of the City of Ottawa Official Plan.

There are few public pathways in North Gower; however, there are a number of informal pathways on private property used by residents. These can range from well-beaten trails beside hedgerows located on the edge of active farmland, to informal driveways. There are many opportunities to provide a multi-use pathway system across and along the shore of Stevens Creek. To implement the entire system, pedestrian bridge crossings will be required across the Creek and associated drains.

Most of the multi-use pathway system is located in the village. Future pathways have also been identified linking residents on McCordick Road, Third Line Road and Stratton Drive to the village, who are part of the “greater” North Gower community.

New sidewalks have also been identified throughout the village and form part of the pathway system by interconnecting existing sidewalks and future pathways. In one case, a sidewalk extension on Church Street would not only complete a pathway circuit, but would also create a safer pedestrian environment for children walking to school from nearby neighbourhoods. Improvements to sidewalks will also benefit transit riders since they all start and end their trip as pedestrians.

It should be noted that while pedestrians will have access to both sidewalks and pathways, cyclists will be limited to use of the pathway system only since it is the only legal form of off-road facilities. On road cycling facilities with signage is proposed for the three arterial roads in North Gower (Roger Stevens Drive, Fourth Line Road and Prince of Wales Drive).

Creation of a public pathway system will be predicated on two processes:

1. The subdivision process whereby the City can identify lands that would be required to be dedicated to the City for a pathway
2. The willingness of property owners to allow public access to their lands since publicly-owned lands are limited to parks and municipal buildings

Residents, possibly through a village-wide association, will need to play a lead role in initiating and implementing the pathway system through their village and beyond. To date, subdivision applications have been infrequent and it is anticipated that there will not be a significant number of pathways created through this planning process.

Only general comments can be made to identify how the Multi-use Pathway Plan should be implemented. The following are some of the criteria in deciding which parts of the Plan should proceed:

1. Landowner agreement to have pathway cross lands
2. Pathways in core should have priority
3. Complete circuits should be the goal
4. Complete pathways not requiring large capital outlay, such as bridges to cross water courses, should be considered first

The proposed multi-use pathways will be constructed in accordance to City standards. A pathway is typically two metres wide, but a multi-purpose pathway is three metres wide constructed of asphalt or granular material. A yellow stripe runs down the middle of a multi-use asphalt pathway.

Liability

Liability is a major concern to landowners as a result of allowing public access to their lands. One way of dealing with these concerns is a legal agreement between the private landowner and the City, which can be created to address such concerns.

Policies

1. The Multi-Use Pathway Plan shows the conceptual location of new pathways and these may be implemented in the short term through existing farmed areas and along hedgerows. When redevelopment is proposed, it is expected that pathways will be maintained in some form within the development.
2. Pathways will be clearly identified to ensure users are aware that the system crosses private lands where the land is privately owned.
3. North Gower’s village rural character should be reflected in the detailed design of the pathway system. This includes entry points to the pathway system, markers, directional signage and possible amenities such as benches and litter containers.
4. The pathway system shall be implemented in such a way that maximizes accessibility throughout the entire village and surrounding area.
5. Rideau Valley Conservation Authority approval will be sought during the design phase of pathway construction in the vicinity of the floodplain and Stevens Creek to ensure that the pathways are properly sited and constructed.

Implementation

Pathways

1. It is uncertain which department will have ultimate responsibility for implementation of the rural pathway project until it is approved by City Council. At that time it is anticipated that the lead department, resources and staffing will be identified.
2. The Parks and Open Space Plan and Multi-use Pathway Plan will be consulted during development review so that the proposed parks and pathways are incorporated in development applications in North Gower. The City will seek opportunities to complete the pathway system in consultation with the landowner. In certain situations, existing or proposed sidewalks may complete the pathway links.
3. Priorities for the multi-purpose pathway system should focus in the Village Centre to benefit as many residents as possible such as: proposed pathway located to the north of the Alfred Taylor facility, proposed pathway linking residents from Craighurst Drive to Roger Stevens Drive.
4. Residents, in consultation with City staff, could initiate discussions with landowners as a start to building the pathway system.

Sidewalks

1. Public Works and Services will consult the list of sidewalk extensions for inclusion in any future road works.
2. Implementation priorities for proposed sidewalks should focus on the issue of safety. The first priority should focus on creating a sidewalk from the Farmstead Ridge neighbourhood to walk to the North Gower –Marlborough Public School on Church Street. Children are currently bussed a few blocks to school since there are no sidewalks along this portion of Church Street. A sidewalk would enable these children to walk to school safely. Other priorities include creating sidewalk connections within the Village Centre, such as on Perkins Drive, Roger Stevens Drive from the farmers market to just west of the co-op.

Buildings in the Village Centre represent North Gower’s history, but residents would also like to see change. (Refer to building descriptions in Appendix 5 and see Appendix 7, prepared by the Design Group, which outlines descriptions and proposals for various areas within the Village Centre).

One significant means of reflecting the village’s history while also looking towards the future is through the use of design guidelines. These design guidelines have been developed as a means of encouraging development that is compatible with the character in the area. These guidelines will be applied when additions to existing buildings or new construction to replace a demolished building are proposed. The intent of the Village Centre Plan design guidelines is to provide direction and assistance to developers and City staff in reviewing development applications and for future improvements for North Gower’s core. These guidelines apply to the area shown in Appendix 6.

Heritage Residential Design Guidelines

The following design guidelines have been developed to encourage development that is compatible with the character of the streetscape:

1. Driveways to the side of the house and garages to the rear of the property are encouraged.
2. The garage or other outbuildings should be simply finished and have gable or gambrel roofs. (See Appendix 5)
3. Landscape features, such as informal hedges along property lines, mass plantings of perennials and the use of large tree species, are encouraged.
4. Planting large tree species just within the front property line, but away from overhead lines, is encouraged. This will help to preserve the shade and visual amenity provided by the tree canopy of large street trees.
5. House forms such as the symmetrical 1 ½ or 2 storey, side gable roof, or the 2 storey, front gable roof, or the 2 storey house with multiple gables and bays are encouraged. (See Appendix 5)
6. Porches at the front of the house with shed roofs are encouraged.
7. Adequate landscaping should be provided in order to preserve the subordinate relationship of the house to the landscape in the streetscape.
8. The design of infill development should be compatible with the proportions, roof design and the site plan of the existing buildings in the streetscape.
9. The use of simulated heritage detailing and decoration is discouraged.
10. Designers are encouraged to use contemporary materials and to use contemporary methods of architectural expression. New buildings should be of their own time.

Heritage Commercial Design Guidelines

The following design guidelines have been developed to encourage development that is compatible with the character of the streetscape:

1. Adaptive-use of existing farm and commercial buildings is encouraged.
2. Retention of early signage is encouraged.
3. Projecting or bracketed signs are encouraged. Backlit signs are discouraged. Exterior lights may be used to illuminate signs at night (see below).

1. Thick plantings of informal hedges and wide side yards are encouraged as a buffer between commercial and residential use.
2. Porches with shed roofs or shed roof awnings are encouraged.
3. Large garage-type doors, functioning as loading bays for example, are encouraged.
4. Domestic building forms for commercial uses on Fourth Line are encouraged. Refer to the three building forms identified in the residential use guidelines.
5. Designers are encouraged to use contemporary materials and to use contemporary methods of architectural expression. New buildings should be of their own time.

Streetscape Improvements in Village Centre

The North Gower Improvement Society has undertaken significant work to improve the village’s environment. This has resulted in tree plantings in the Alfred Taylor Recreation Facility, along Perkins Drive and in neighbourhood parks. Other Improvement Society projects have contributed to making the Village Centre a more welcoming area. These include flower-filled planter boxes and seasonal banners attached to utility posts on Fourth Line Road. One unique project was the creation of the “Four Corners Park” located at the northwest corner Fourth Line Road and Roger Stevens Drive. This small park, located on public property, consists of a covered bench on a pathway consisting of interlocking bricks provided for the use of residents and, in particular, the senior residents on Roger Stevens Drive. It is located in a visible area to all who pass through the village.

On the other hand, the traffic island at the Roger Stevens and Fourth Line Road crossroads is often cluttered with many sandwich boards directing travellers to various establishments in the vicinity. For the pedestrian, the sidewalks sometimes suddenly end forcing them to walk on the gravel shoulder of the road. Several physical changes could significantly improve the overall impact of the main commercial area.

Policies

1. During road reconstruction of Village Centre roads, street furniture, such as garbage receptacles, bicycle parking, lighting and benches, should be installed that is in keeping with the rural heritage village character.
2. Continue to create pedestrian-friendly areas along Roger Stevens Drive and Fourth Line road.

1. Through the development approvals process, encourage new businesses to create attractive storefronts contributing to development of a main street.
2. Where possible, plant trees on Fourth Line Road and Roger Stevens Drive to create a pleasant pedestrian atmosphere.
3. Create murals on prominent building walls that reflect the rural character and heritage that residents wish to preserve.
4. Business people and residents should investigate the possibility of an information kiosk in the Village Centre.

Implementation

1. Residents should work with business owners and City staff to address the issue of sandwich boards at Fourth Line Road and Roger Stevens Drive.

Village Landmarks and Gateways

Roger Stevens Drive is connected to Highway 416 and carries both local and outside traffic through the Village Centre. Businesses recognize this and, as a result, the intersection of Fourth Line Road and Roger Stevens Drive is cluttered with numerous sandwich boards directing traffic to local businesses and attractions. This situation could be improved through co-ordinated signage. City staff is working on aspects of signage in rural areas, including identification of farm-related activities. Their work does not currently include way-finding signs for small businesses located in villages.

Surrounded by agricultural land, the gateways into the village are identified by “North Gower” village signs. These are starting to look worn. Residents have already looked into this matter and have determined that a good cleaning is all that is needed. This cleaning was identified as part of their spring cleaning activities in the village.

Prominent landmarks in North Gower are its tallest structures: the North Gower United Church steeple and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church steeple on Church Street. Both tall white spires are visible landmarks that can be viewed at a distance from many locations throughout the village. New development throughout the village should aim to retain views to these buildings.

Perkins Lumber is an important business in the village and occupies a significant location and sizeable property in the centre of North Gower. It is understood that the business could relocate to larger premises and redevelopment of its current site will significantly impact the village. Any development proposal for the site should be reviewed in accordance with the policies below.

Policies

1. During the development review process, be cognizant of landmark views to the village’s church steeples and surrounding pastoral areas. All new buildings should be designed to be less tall than these buildings.
2. Non-residential uses within the Village Centre should be adequately landscaped and screened from residential uses. All open storage areas should be screened from public view.

Implementation

1. Businesses in the Village Centre should develop coordinated signage directing visitors to local businesses and attractions, in consultation with the City’s sign by-law staff.

The North Gower Community Design Plan establishes the planning framework to accommodate new commercial development. However, it will be up to North Gower residents and business people to actively market and attract businesses to their village. There is keen interest within the Design Group in furthering business development to not only attract visitors, but to also draw new businesses to establish in the area. Of particular interest to residents are basic neighbourhood-serving uses not currently available in North Gower, such as a grocery store. A possible location is the area near the Village Centre to the northwest of Roger Stevens Drive and Fourth Line Road.

Resources and opportunities exist to build upon the village’s assets including:

• Dave Douglas’ report “An Evaluation of Potentials: Hamlets & Villages - Rural Ottawa Carleton”, which provides many suggestions to make villages more attractive for visitors
• The Ottawa Rural Tourism Council’s initiatives such as the Ottawa’s Countryside publication
• Municipal and provincial resources such as availability of economic development staff to provide information and assistance to North Gower

A subwatershed study of Stevens Creek is needed to fully understand the role of Stevens Creek in the larger Rideau River watershed, to understand its make-up and impact of human activities on the water system and the recommendations to improve the system. Until the study is completed, the policies below will apply.

The floodplain mapping in North Gower has been recently updated and completed by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. If a proponent wishes to discuss the location of the floodplain on a site-specific basis, this may be done at the time of development application with the conservation authority.

Policies

1. Natural vegetation along Stevens Creek and its tributaries will be encouraged through restoration of natural vegetation, to improve wildlife corridor function, water quality and fish habitat. Steep slopes along the Creek will be protected through the development review process and volunteer efforts.
2. Floodplain, slope stability, and setbacks based on setbacks for water quality objectives established in the Official Plan will be considered when determining development limits for lands adjacent to Stevens Creek and its tributaries.
3. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority should investigate the function and condition of the dam on Stevens Creek that was identified to be in deteriorating condition and that may impair fish spawning grounds located further upstream.

4.7.1 Private Wells and Private Septic Systems

There is a strong belief by the Design Group that servicing the core would facilitate revitalization of North Gower’s commercial area. In particular, there is a concern about the lack of an adequate sanitary system for the core that would support future growth. They would like to see some alternatives to the wells and septic systems that now exists in North Gower’s core (Village Centre). In particular, they would like the City to undertake a review of alternative methods of servicing such as small-bore systems. Staff has agreed to review village core development and private services throughout Ottawa’s rural area in the context of a rural development strategy.

Notwithstanding the above-noted work, the following policies will apply with respect to private wells and wastewater systems in North Gower:

Policies

1. All future development in North Gower will be on the basis of private wells and private septic systems until the City reassesses the situation and decides to support alternative systems in villages.
2. Development must be in accordance with City of Ottawa Official Plan Section 4.4.2 Private Water and Wastewater Servicing. Development will be reviewed in accordance with current guidelines for hydrogeological and terrain analysis studies. Final subdivision design must conform to the requirements of these studies.

Implementation

1. Staff will review core area development in villages and private servicing in the context of a rural development strategy in 2007 and 2008.

4.7.2 Stormwater Management

The following stormwater management (SWM) guidelines are to be implemented during the development application review process for subdivisions. These guidelines are not intended to replace the guidance or technical detail provided by the Ministry of the Environment’s Stormwater Management Planning and Design Manual or other generally accepted design practices and they do not provide a prescriptive approach. The intent of these guidelines is to provide a methodology to be followed when planning and designing SWM practices for village subdivisions. This methodology emphasizes the maximum use of site design measures, lot level, and conveyance controls to achieve SWM objectives before consideration is given to the use of end-of-pipe facilities. Ultimately, it remains the proponent’s responsibility to assess the SWM requirements associated with each site and recommend appropriate SWM practices to mitigate the impacts of the development on receiving watercourses.

Policies

The following Interim Stormwater Management Guidelines will be used until further study, as described in Section 3.3, is undertaken in North Gower:

1. Environmental Constraints: As noted in Appendix A of the MOE SWM Planning and Design Manual: Good planning integrates the design of a site and the design of the stormwater management facilities in one process. In conjunction with assessing the SWM approach for the site, environmental and natural hazard constraints should be mapped on the site plan to determine the limits of development. Requirements for this exercise are detailed in the MOE Manual, the City’s Official Plan (Section 4) and other detailed guidance documents.
2. SWM Design Criteria: SWM design criteria must be developed on a site-specific basis to address changes to water balance, water quality and water quantity resulting from the proposed development. However, subject to the approved minimum lot sizes (as per detailed hydrogeological studies), the preferred emphasis will be on site design measures and lot level and conveyance controls to achieve the required SWM objectives. (Site design measures refer to ‘low impact development’ methods such as reducing the extent of clearing/grading; maximizing overland sheet flow; increasing site and lot vegetation cover, etc.)

• 2.1 Water Balance: A water balance exercise should be completed to assess the post-development change in runoff volume. The initial target should be to match the pre-development runoff volume by applying appropriate site design measures, and lot level and conveyance controls.
• 2.2 Water Quantity: Subject to adequate demonstration that pre-development runoff volumes cannot reasonably be achieved via site design measures, lot level, and conveyance controls, the need for water quantity control (erosion and two to 100 year flood flow impacts) must be assessed. This will include a characterization of the ability of Stevens Creek to adequately convey any increase in peak flows and runoff volumes resulting from the development. This characterization will extend for a sufficient distance downstream of the site such that potential impacts from the site become negligible. After maximizing the use of site design measures, lot level and conveyance controls, should the increase in peak flows or runoff volumes from the development result in unacceptable impacts, or the existing capacity of the receiver is insufficient, the proponent will recommend measures to mitigate this impact on-site through appropriate SWM practices.
• 3.3 Water Quality: Every effort will be made to achieve water quality design criteria through the use of site design measures, lot level controls and conveyance controls before proposing end-of-pipe facilities.

4.7.3 Future Roads

For the most part, existing residential areas have developed independently of one another with few physical links with adjacent neighbourhoods. The Parks and Open Space Plan and the Multi-Use Pathway Plan identify ways in which the community can be physically linked through pathways and show opportunities to expand existing parks through the subdivision process. Another way to integrate existing residential areas with future ones is to identify a conceptual future local road network, shown in Schedule D, tying existing and new local roads together.

The proposed Future Road Plan was developed with regard to the location of developable land, floodplain, future pathways and parks.

Policies

1. In subdivision application review, staff should consult the Future Roads Plan so that new residential neighbourhoods are linked and integrated with existing ones.
2. The future roads shown on Schedule D are conceptual and will guide staff in the review of subdivisions. Other road configurations could be considered if they achieve the goal of having integrated and connected neighbourhoods.

4.7.4 Transit

North Gower has limited bus service, however, the need for additional service is monitored by OC Transpo through public request and actual bus ridership. Additional transit service should be extended to North Gower as the village evolves and demand warrants it.

4.7.5 Traffic, Parking and Utilities

Community requests for further traffic investigations were forwarded to Public Works and Services for further investigation. Contact information has been provided to the Design Group for residents to follow-up specific traffic concerns.

Parking problems were not identified as a concern during staff’s consultation process for the community design plan. There is presently a limited commercial area in the core. Until the commercial area has matured, and there is a demonstrated need for the implementation of parking measures, there is no need to consider the creation of public parking lots at this time.

A lighting review is being undertaken for all road right-of-ways in the City of Ottawa and no decisions regarding the numerous requests for increased illumination will be undertaken until this work is completed and approved by City Council. In the interim, North Gower requests for improved lighting have been forwarded to the project lead of the lighting review.

Natural gas is available in the village and it is the Design Group’s desire to see this extended to other parts of the village.

Residents would like to see the eventual paving of Third Line Road between Prince of Wales Drive and Highway 416.

The North Gower Community Design Plan is a land use planning policy document that will guide future development using planning tools provided by the Planning Act. Many elements shown in the plan are conceptual including location of parks, multi-use pathway locations, and boundaries of land use designations. Modifications are anticipated in implementing the Plan as long as the general intent of the Plan is maintained.

Interpretation Section

The land use plan is a statement of land use planning policy that will be used to guide the development and the long-term growth of North Gower. Precise boundaries for the land uses will be set out in the zoning by-law. The land use plan will provide direction in the preparation of development proposals by developers and will be used by City staff in reviewing applications such as subdivision, rezoning and site plan control.

Any major amendments to the North Gower Community Design Plan will require City Council approval and these include changes to the Land Use Plan. Significant changes to the land use policies will require City Council approval. An example of this kind of change is the proposed change of one land use designation to another designation e.g. a change from a residential land use to a commercial category. Any changes to Schedule D – Future Roads whereby a proposed collector road is eliminated will also require an amendment to the community design plan.

Amendments to the North Gower Community Design Plan will not be required for zoning amendments to permit residential uses other than detached dwellings.

Any change to the village boundary will require an amendment to the Ottawa Official Plan.

Implementation Strategy

Recommendations of the North Gower Community Design Plan are implemented primarily through planning tools such as zoning by-laws, subdivision, and site plan control. Residents, business people and the Design Group will help implement the Plan through their participation in development review and through other means identified in the Plan.

Listed below are distinct action items with responsibilities categorized by theme: land use, parks, open space and multi-use pathway, village centre plan, economic development Stevens Creek, servicing and public services.

North Gower Community Design Plan Implementation Strategy

Monitoring the North Gower Community Design Plan will indicate whether the recommendations are being carried out as intended. Should there be any fundamental changes to the direction of the Plan, amendments to the Plan may be necessary.

The North Gower residents and the City should monitor the performance of this plan to assess whether the recommendations have been carried out and resulted in the intended effect.