| In an effort to provide sustainable urban development, the new City of Ottawa Official Plan proposes to intensify residential neighbourhoods. Considering movements including Smart Growth, the Compact City, and other Canadian examples of residential intensification, the Ottawa plan raises questions regarding residents' feelings towards intensification and how they believe intensification affects property values.;A case study of the Glebe neighbourhood helps to test whether it is possible to increase density without negatively impacting residents' property values. The study compares one property with a converted attic apartment to one that is unchanged. Residents' opinions regarding intensification are divided, with those residing further away from intensified areas objecting the most. An assessment of property values analysis demonstrates that converted units offer potential for short-term financial gain while single unit dwellings are a safer long-term investment. However, perhaps the health of the environment should take precedence over the financial value of property. |
