Ottawa Rethinks a Costly Development—Your City Can Too
City officials in Ottawa, Canada, are reconsidering a costly development. (Source: Óðinn on Wikimedia.)
Elected officials often inherit projects they didn’t initiate—massive developments or infrastructure expansions that have been in the works for years. These projects come with momentum: They’ve been studied, discussed, and sometimes even partially approved. But for the officials now responsible, they may feel wrong. Still, it can feel almost impossible to vote against them. The pressure to move forward with a flawed plan, just because it’s been in motion for so long, is immense.
Ottawa, Canada, is a city facing exactly that kind of moment. The controversial Tewin development, proposed as a major expansion of the city’s footprint, is now facing new scrutiny. City officials have begun the process to remove it from the official plan, citing serious concerns about infrastructure costs—an estimated $900 million in public investment—environmental impacts, and whether the development pattern aligns with Ottawa’s long-term goals.
As Strong Towns discussed on a recent episode of Upzoned, the Tewin development represents a continuation of the postwar development pattern: a satellite community far from existing infrastructure that locks in decades of low-productivity, car-dependent growth. Even if developers cover the upfront costs, the city is left with the long-term burden of maintenance and operations.
In the episode, Charles Marohn, founder and president of Strong Towns, described the proposal as a “moonshot approach” to the housing crisis, saying, “You’re copying the least productive part of the city and hoping that somehow it pays off in the long run.”
As CTV News reports, "The Tewin lands were added to Ottawa’s official plan in 2021 as part of the city’s urban boundary expansion. But a new report says it’s too expensive and too difficult to service the land and recommends removing it."
City staff are now working with the Planning and Housing Committee to consider an amendment to the official plan that would remove the Tewin lands from the urban boundary, potentially opening the door for the city to redirect growth inward and invest in areas already supported by infrastructure. This shift would allow the city to pursue more financially productive development patterns and reduce the long-term fiscal burden on Ottawa taxpayers.
This is the kind of leadership cities need. Just because a project has momentum doesn’t mean it’s the right move. Local governments always have the authority—and responsibility—to course correct when they realize a plan no longer serves their community.
It’s never too late to rethink past decisions and set a better course. If your community is in a similar position—facing a major project that no longer fits your values or fiscal reality—there are tools to help. Take the Strong Towns 101 course to gain the language and framework to lead these conversations. Or bring Strong Towns to your city—we can help you and your community work through tough decisions and find a new path forward.
