Share Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings on FacebookShare Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings on TwitterShare Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings on LinkedinEmail Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings link
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 public meeting (November 17, 2025 - concluded)
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
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 public meeting (November 17, 2025 - concluded)
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
Share Draft 2 Posted for Public Review (concluded) on FacebookShare Draft 2 Posted for Public Review (concluded) on TwitterShare Draft 2 Posted for Public Review (concluded) on LinkedinEmail Draft 2 Posted for Public Review (concluded) link
CLOSED: This circulation has concluded.
Draft 2 of the Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings is now posted for public review - Draft 2.
Please submit any comments to the project team by Monday, February 16 to midrise@ottawa.ca.
Draft 2 of the Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings is now posted for public review - Draft 2.
Please submit any comments to the project team by Monday, February 16 to midrise@ottawa.ca.
Share Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings - Draft 2 being presented at the Urban Design Review Panel (concluded) on FacebookShare Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings - Draft 2 being presented at the Urban Design Review Panel (concluded) on TwitterShare Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings - Draft 2 being presented at the Urban Design Review Panel (concluded) on LinkedinEmail Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings - Draft 2 being presented at the Urban Design Review Panel (concluded) link
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
On Friday, January 9, 2026 Draft 2 of the Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-rise Buildings will be presented by project consultant, The Planning Partnership, at the Urban Design Review Panel for formal review. Members of the public are welcome to join virtually and observe the panel review. Please follow the Zoom Link on the Urban Design Review Panel agenda to join the meeting.
Please note, this meeting is for observation only. More information about the Urban Design Review Panel process can be found on the Urban Design Review Panel website. If members of the public would like to submit questions or comments on Draft 2, please contact midrise@ottawa.ca.
On Friday, January 9, 2026 Draft 2 of the Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-rise Buildings will be presented by project consultant, The Planning Partnership, at the Urban Design Review Panel for formal review. Members of the public are welcome to join virtually and observe the panel review. Please follow the Zoom Link on the Urban Design Review Panel agenda to join the meeting.
Please note, this meeting is for observation only. More information about the Urban Design Review Panel process can be found on the Urban Design Review Panel website. If members of the public would like to submit questions or comments on Draft 2, please contact midrise@ottawa.ca.
Share Discussion Paper for Public Review (concluded) on FacebookShare Discussion Paper for Public Review (concluded) on TwitterShare Discussion Paper for Public Review (concluded) on LinkedinEmail Discussion Paper for Public Review (concluded) link
CLOSED: This circulation has concluded.
This discussion paper is part of the Phase 1 study deliverables - Discussion Paper. The key purpose of this paper is to provide background information on the development of mid-rise buildings, including key issues identified in the Phase 1 study.
The paper includes a review of relevant City policies, a summary of best practice research, observations on recent mid-rise buildings in Ottawa, and highlights of key issues. Information provided in the paper will facilitate the discussion and review of the draft guidelines.
This discussion paper is part of the Phase 1 study deliverables - Discussion Paper. The key purpose of this paper is to provide background information on the development of mid-rise buildings, including key issues identified in the Phase 1 study.
The paper includes a review of relevant City policies, a summary of best practice research, observations on recent mid-rise buildings in Ottawa, and highlights of key issues. Information provided in the paper will facilitate the discussion and review of the draft guidelines.
Share Public information session - Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings (concluded) on FacebookShare Public information session - Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings (concluded) on TwitterShare Public information session - Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings (concluded) on LinkedinEmail Public information session - Urban Design Guidelines for Mid-Rise Buildings (concluded) link
CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Thank you to all participants who took part in the online public information session on Monday, November 17.
Ottawa City Council adopted a series of urban design guidelines in 2007–2008, covering everything from individual facilities (e.g., gas stations) to broader areas like Mainstreet corridors. These guidelines support the City’s planning and development review processes and are used by staff, developers, community groups, and residents.
Currently, there are no guidelines specific to mid-rise buildings (five to nine storeys). This project will create a comprehensive set of design guidelines for mid-rise buildings to help implement the Official Plan and guide the design of buildings, driveways, parking, landscaping, and adjacent streets.
Thank you to all participants who took part in the online public information session on Monday, November 17.
Ottawa City Council adopted a series of urban design guidelines in 2007–2008, covering everything from individual facilities (e.g., gas stations) to broader areas like Mainstreet corridors. These guidelines support the City’s planning and development review processes and are used by staff, developers, community groups, and residents.
Currently, there are no guidelines specific to mid-rise buildings (five to nine storeys). This project will create a comprehensive set of design guidelines for mid-rise buildings to help implement the Official Plan and guide the design of buildings, driveways, parking, landscaping, and adjacent streets.
Share Survey launched. on FacebookShare Survey launched. on TwitterShare Survey launched. on LinkedinEmail Survey launched. link
CLOSED: The survey is now closed.
Check back here as the project advances. The City will post project updates to announce upcoming events, milestones, opportunities for engagement, and proposed draft guidelines.
Check back here as the project advances. The City will post project updates to announce upcoming events, milestones, opportunities for engagement, and proposed draft guidelines.
