Claridge Homes Proposes 2,300 New Homes West of Stittsville: What It Means for the Community

Claridge Homes Proposal: Urban Boundary Expansion West of Stittsville

The City has received a significant proposal from Claridge Homes to expand the urban boundary west of Stittsville by redesignating rural land for future residential development. This proposed change, referred to as the Stittsville West Urban Expansion Area, represents one of the more consequential planning files affecting the west end in recent years.

What Is Being Proposed?

Claridge Homes has submitted an application to the City of Ottawa to amend Ottawa’s Official Plan and expand the urban boundary to include lands at:

• 6435 Fernbank Road
• 6437 Flewellyn Road

These parcels total approximately 112 hectares, or about 277 acres, immediately west of the current urban limit adjacent to Stittsville. If approved, the land would be redesignated from Rural Countryside to Neighbourhood to support residential development.

The conceptual plan for the site includes a mix of housing types, potentially ranging from single family homes to townhouses and back to back units. Early discussions have suggested the development could accommodate a substantial number of future residents.

Why This Matters to Local Residents

For families and homeowners in Stittsville and the surrounding west end, this proposal raises several important planning considerations.

Growth and Infrastructure Planning
Expanding the urban boundary means new infrastructure requirements. This includes roads, sewers, transit planning, sidewalks, parks, and community services.

Connectivity to Schools and Amenities
One of the concerns raised publicly by Councillor Glen Gower is whether this area can be effectively connected to schools, transit, and daily services. Without careful integration, there is risk that the neighbourhood could feel isolated from established amenities.

Farmland and Environmental Impact
The lands under review were not included in Ottawa’s most recent Official Plan urban expansion. At the time, they were evaluated based on environmental considerations and serviceability criteria. That earlier decision is now part of the broader discussion around this new application.

What Has Been Said So Far

Councillor Glen Gower has publicly stated that he does not support this proposed urban boundary expansion. His position highlights:

• Concerns that the lands were previously assessed and not selected for development
• Questions around long term infrastructure efficiency
• The importance of protecting agricultural and natural areas surrounding Stittsville

As with any Official Plan amendment, this file will move through staff review, public consultation, Planning Committee discussion, and ultimately Council decision.

How the Process Works

Amending Ottawa’s Official Plan is a formal planning process. It typically includes:

• Detailed technical review by City staff
• Public information sessions and consultations
• A staff report with recommendations
• Committee and Council deliberation

Residents have the opportunity to submit comments or speak at Committee meetings as part of the review process.

What This Could Mean for the Local Market

From a real estate perspective, proposals like this matter, even before a final decision is made.

Long Term Growth Direction
Where the City allows growth influences infrastructure investment, school planning, and commercial development over the next decade.

Neighbourhood Character
Many buyers in the west end prioritize community feel, school access, parks, and walkability. How this development integrates will be a key factor.

Supply and Future Inventory
If approved, this proposal would represent additional long term housing supply in the west end. While this would not impact the short term market immediately, it does shape future inventory and growth patterns.

Summary

The proposed urban boundary expansion west of Stittsville is still in the early stages, but it represents a significant planning discussion for the west end. If approved, it would open more than 100 hectares of currently rural land to future residential development, potentially adding substantial housing supply over time.

The proposal raises important questions about infrastructure capacity, connectivity to schools and amenities, environmental considerations, and how growth should be managed in Ottawa’s suburban communities. It has also prompted clear public commentary from local leadership and will move through a formal review process before any final decision is made.

For homeowners, buyers, and families watching the direction of the Stittsville market, this is the type of file that helps shape long term neighbourhood character and future housing patterns. While no outcome is guaranteed, the conversation itself reflects the ongoing demand for housing in Ottawa’s west end and the balancing act between growth and preservation.