Despite objections from residents and a procedural complaint about missed notification, a highrise apartment development at the intersection of MacLaren and O'Connor streets in Centretown will move forward. The planning and housing committee upheld the April 22 approval, with chair Jeff Leiper stating that rescinding the decision would be a major step he was not prepared to take.
Resident voices safety and mobility fears
Barbara Kagedan, a Centretown resident who lives directly across from the proposed site, expressed deep concerns about the project's impact on low-mobility individuals. Her late husband, Allan Kagedan, who had ALS and used a wheelchair, struggled with sidewalk breaks and obstacles. She fears the addition of 513 residential units, 319 parking spaces, and increased delivery and ride-hailing traffic will create hazardous conditions for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities.
“Adding 513 units with all the Amazon deliveries, all the Uber drivers, plus 319 vehicles in the garage … this is going to be a recipe for disaster,” Kagedan said.
City acknowledges missed correspondence
Kagedan initially submitted her concerns through the city's development applications website (DevApps) in summer 2025 and received a confirmation receipt. However, she was never notified of the April 22 planning and housing committee meeting where the project was approved. After contacting Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster, the city's planning department responded that they had “no record of correspondences” from her, according to an email from Eric Forhan of the planning, development and building services department.
“I was very upset. That is the main thing that is pushing me to continue fighting this. I’m a 70-year-old grandmother. I recently lost my husband. When we first submitted our comments, he was battling ALS. This is not the battle I want to be fighting right now,” Kagedan said.
Committee chair defends process
At the committee meeting, chair Jeff Leiper acknowledged the residents' frustration but maintained that overturning the earlier approval would set a problematic precedent. He emphasized that the committee had already thoroughly debated the proposal in April and that rescinding it now would be an extraordinary step.
Troster, while sympathetic to Kagedan's situation, defended the development, noting that similar density projects in Centretown have brought amenities like the grocery store at Albert and Lyon streets, which residents had long wanted. “I think in a lot of cases where there is a high level of density coming to an area, people might flag safety and traffic concerns. We’ve seen this kind of density in many corners of Centretown, and it’s brought a lot of great things to the neighbourhood,” Troster said.
Impact on community engagement
The case has raised questions about the city's notification process for development applications. Kagedan's experience suggests that even when residents submit comments online, they may not be properly logged or forwarded to decision-makers. The city's admission that it had no record of her correspondence underscores potential gaps in the system.
As the project moves forward, Kagedan and other concerned residents are left grappling with how to ensure their voices are heard in future developments. The highrise is expected to add significant density to the area, with 513 units and 319 parking spots, alongside anticipated increases in delivery and ride-hailing traffic.
