Ottawa’s New Zoning By-law Review: Shaping Island Park Drive

The City of Ottawa is undertaking a comprehensive review of its Zoning By-law to align with the new Official Plan adopted in 2021. This major city-building initiative is designed to shape how the city grows, intensifies, and evolves over the next several decades. The current Zoning By-law, approved in 2008, no longer reflects the goals of sustainable development, inclusion, climate resilience, and housing affordability outlined in the Official Plan.

The main purpose of the Zoning By-law Review is to modernize Ottawa’s land use regulations to support a more compact, walkable, and transit-oriented city. The review aims to:

• Implement the policies of the new Official Plan.

• Facilitate the development of 15-minute neighbourhoods.

• Support affordable and diverse housing options.

• Encourage intensification near transit and key corridors.

• Respond to climate change and reduce car dependency.

• Ensure zoning regulations are inclusive, clear, and accessible.

The review has been a multi-year, phased process that involves extensive public consultation, technical analysis, and policy alignment. Key phases including:

1. Background Research & Early Engagement (2022–2023)

• Review of best practices from other municipalities.

• Technical studies on climate, equity, housing, and land use.

• Early public engagement to identify issues and opportunities.

2. Discussion Papers & Consultation (2023–2024)

• Release of topic-specific discussion papers on intensification, housing, employment zones, and more.

• Public and stakeholder engagement through surveys, open houses, and workshops.

• Feedback gathered to guide draft zoning strategies.

3. Drafting the New By-law (2024–2025)

• Preparation of the first draft of the new Zoning By-law, incorporating Official Plan policies and community input.

• Detailed review of proposed zones, permissions, setbacks, and development standards.

• Preparation of second by-law draft, consultation and community input.

4. Final Consultation and Approval (2025–2026)

• Release of the final draft for public comment.

• Revisions based on feedback.

• Formal approval by City Council anticipated in 2026.
  

The final product will be a new Zoning By-law that provides a modern, streamlined framework for land use regulation in Ottawa. It will:

• Define what can be built and where.

• Offer greater predictability for residents, developers, and city planners.

• Embed principles of equity, sustainability, and liveability into the regulatory framework.

• Replace outdated standards with clear, consistent rules that support Ottawa’s vision as a more inclusive, climate-resilient, and dynamic city.
  

What does it mean for Island Park Drive?

Island Park Drive will be rezoned. Below is an interactive map prepared by the Island Park Community Association to provide homeowners with information regarding the proposed rezoning of Island Park Drive. Visit the 2026 Proposed Zoning By-law: Map page to learn more about the 2026 Zoning and conveniently access the map anytime.

For easier navigation and to view the full legend, click the full screen icon (the square with arrows in the top right corner of the map) to open it in a new tab. Or click here.