An application has been submitted to the city to build an entertainment complex featuring an indoor water park and hotel in Stittsville, just down the road from the Canadian Tire Centre.
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An application has been submitted to the city to build an entertainment complex featuring an indoor water park and hotel in Stittsville, just down the road from the Canadian Tire Centre.
Proposed by the Palladium Resort Development Limited Partnership, the project would feature a seven-storey hotel with 236 guest rooms, as well as a family entertainment centre, aquatic facility and restaurant.
The project’s planning rationale document, prepared by JFSA Canada, said an “extensive search” was undertaken to find a location for the development, which would serve as a year-round tourist attraction.
“By introducing a major recreational destination, the project is expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, contributing to Ottawa’s profile as a destination for leisure and family-oriented activities,” the document said.
The 5.3-hectare site amalgamates two vacant properties at 2775 and 2785 Palladium Dr., as well as a parcel on Culdaff Road. The site is located south of Highway 417 at the interchange with Palladium Drive.
According to the planning rationale, the 13,379-square-metre water park facility would consist of more than 9,000 square metres of publicly accessible spaces, including the main aquatic facility, family entertainment areas, a gift shop, party rooms, changing rooms and shower facilities.
Key to the design are colourful waterslides that would protrude from the side of the building and be visible to passersby.
“The waterslides are a critical part of the operations of the water park and the exit and re-entry through the side of the building is a standard feature on these types of facilities due to the practical benefits of reducing non-functional floor space and providing an exciting visual public appeal,” the planning rationale document said.
The document added that the project is expected to create 445 jobs during construction and 270 full-time jobs once operational.
Low-rise residential neighbourhoods and Ministry of Transportation lands occupy the areas south and west of the site. To the north and east are extensive commercial uses, including multiple car dealerships across the street and the Tanger Outlets shopping centre on the other side of the highway.
“This particular site, situated in the Suburban West Transect, is an ideal location for a unique family-focused entertainment and hospitality destination because it can be easily accessed from Highway 417, is within reach of the communities west of Ottawa and is close to the Bell Sensplex which is predicted to be a contributor to the participants at the aquatic facility,” said the urban design brief prepared by McRobie Architects and Interior Designers.
Also included in the proposal is a surface parking lot with 704 vehicle spaces with access from Culdaff Road, a dedicated bus lay-by, drop-off area and loading facilities. A total of 61 bicycle spaces are also proposed.
