Ottawa approves design changes for new Riverside South community centre and library

Ottawa's Planning and Housing Committee approved design changes Tuesday for the new Riverside South Community Centre and Library, moving the project closer to construction.

The Official Plan and zoning amendments will allow for a shorter, more pedestrian-scaled building set farther back from the road. The revised design includes wider sidewalks, new trees and raised planters, additional seating areas, and bike parking — changes intended to make the complex more welcoming for people walking, cycling and gathering nearby. The City of Ottawa is planning the facility near Limebank Station, with an expected opening around 2028.

The project also includes a new 10.9-hectare park providing space for recreation, community events and everyday gathering in the heart of the Riverside South Town Centre.

In a separate move, the committee approved a temporary pilot program allowing some places of worship to lease unused parking spaces to the public. The amendment applies to places of worship with existing parking lots in the downtown core or within 600 metres of a rapid transit station. Select city-owned facilities near transit hubs — including Pinecrest Recreational Complex near Baseline Station, Sandy Hill Arena near uOttawa Station, Trillium Recreation Complex near Blair Station, and three others — will also assess how many spaces can be leased to commuters while preserving spaces for facility users. These temporary measures remain in place until March 31, 2027, at which point council will decide whether to continue, change or end the program.