Residents Shocked by Proposal to Turn Green Space Near Riverside Hospital into Parking Lot

Residents near Riverside Hospital in Ottawa are expressing shock and dismay after learning that the hospital is considering turning green space in their neighborhood into a staff parking lot. The land in question, located on Sarah Billings Place, is owned by The Ottawa Hospital and was sold to them by the city for $1 on the condition that it be used for non-profit healthcare.

The proposed parking lot plan came to light when a nearby resident noticed surveyors on the land and inquired about their activities. The hospital has not finalized the plan for the parking lot, but residents are concerned about the potential loss of green space that has been used for picnics and play for years.

The hospital’s decision to explore parking options comes as part of a larger development project that includes a long-term care and retirement home. However, the construction of the development by a private entity does not align with the original intended use of the land for non-profit healthcare, leading to a compensation request from the city last year.

Local councilor Marty Carr has expressed surprise at the lack of communication from the hospital regarding the parking lot proposal and is working with hospital officials to find alternative solutions. Neighbors fear the potential noise, light pollution, and increased traffic that a parking lot could bring to the area.

As of now, the hospital has only conducted soil sampling on the site, and any decision to move forward with the parking lot would require a site plan application. The city has confirmed that no application has been received for the construction of a parking lot on the site.

Residents are hoping for transparency and community engagement in the decision-making process regarding the future of the green space near Riverside Hospital.