Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings

Design guidelines are useful tools to promote good urban and rural development.

In 2007-2008, Ottawa City Council adopted a family of urban design guidelines that address various subjects, ranging from individual facilities such as a gas station to different functional areas of the city, such as the Mainstreet corridors. These guidelines have been used by City staff, development industry, community associations, and the general public in the planning and development review processes to implement Council’s city-building vision.

The new Official Plan continues to promote intensification, compact development, and design excellence throughout the city. Mid-rise buildings, defined by the Official Plan as structures between five to nine storeys, are a form of moderate intensification. Mid-rise buildings are permitted in the Official Plan-designated hubs and corridors in downtown, inner urban, outer urban, and suburban transects. They are also permitted in the mixed industrial and industrial logistic areas. Many of these designations are also Design Priority Areas. When appropriately designed, mid-rise buildings can define and animate streets, plazas and other public spaces, frame views and vistas, and enable sensitive integration with the existing neighbourhoods.

At present, mid-rise guidelines are absent from the family of design guidelines. A comprehensive document is required to provide directions for this important form of development.

What is the purpose?

The main purpose of the project is to develop new Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings as a tool to implement the policies of the Official Plan.

How can I get involved?

There are several ways you can stay informed and engaged throughout the study process:

• Sign-up to the project’s email list
• Participate in the project survey
• Attend a future public meeting (tentative Fall 2025)
• Visit this webpage to stay up to date about upcoming events and current information
• Contact the project team at any time during the process to request information, ask questions, or submit feedback