Good News! Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee Advances Construction Encroachment Report

On May 28, the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee approved my report on construction encroachment, demolition impacts, and enforcement gaps related to urban infill development. You can listen to my remarks here.The report was developed in response to concerns raised by residents across Rideau-Vanier who have experienced property damage, unauthorized access to their lands, construction debris, vibration impacts, and difficulties navigating the City’s existing enforcement framework during nearby demolition and construction projects.

I want to thank all residents, community associations, and industry representatives, including the Hintonburg Community Association, the Champlain Park Community Association, and the Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association, who delegated at Committee. I also want to thank the numerous residents who provided written submissions in support of the report.
Following discussion and input from City staff, Committee approved an amended version of the report. The adopted recommendations direct staff to:

• Review Ottawa’s existing Right-of-Entry By-law and compare it with the City of Toronto’s approach to determine whether amendments should be considered as part of the next term of Council’s By-law Review Work Plan;
• Report back on potential municipal tools that could be implemented within existing legislative authority, including dust control measures, security requirements, restoration bonds, and vibration monitoring tools; and
• Write to the Province of Ontario requesting amendments to the Trespass to Property Act and Building Code Act to strengthen protections for adjacent property owners and provide municipalities with additional enforcement tools.

While staff noted that Ottawa already has a Right-of-Entry By-law in place, discussions at Committee also recognized that the by-law was enacted in 2005 and predates many of the challenges associated with today’s intensified urban infill environment. The review will examine whether the City’s existing framework adequately addresses contemporary construction impacts, including demolition activity, excavation impacts, vibration concerns, and other issues frequently raised by residents.
This report is not about stopping housing construction or slowing down responsible development. Rather, it is about ensuring that intensification occurs in a manner that respects neighbouring properties, protects residents, and provides clear and effective enforcement tools when problems arise.

The report will now proceed to City Council for final consideration on June 10. If passed by Council, staff will report back to Committee before Q1 2027.