A grocery store and a new anchor retail outlet will be part of a new multi-unit commercial plaza planned for Orléans. Richcraft Homes has submitted a site plan control application to build a commercial plaza with 10 buildings and 328 parking spaces at 2226 Mer Bleue Road at Brian Coburn Boulevard. “The proposed development includes mixed size retail units, including anchor retail, a grocery store, and drive-throughs, approximately 8,757 square metres, and will be built across two phases,” said the application summary. “The first phase of construction includes two single unit, grocery store and anchor retail, approximately 5,256 square metres. The second phase will comprise of three single-unit and three multi-unit retail use with 3,501 square metres total gross floor area.” The grocery store will be approximately 3,000 sq. metres, while the anchor retail will comprise of 1,520 sq. metres. In a post on Facebook, Coun. Catherine Kitts said a specific grocer has not been confirmed and construction timelines are ”still to be sorted out.” “For years, Ward 19 has been rightfully asking for more nearby amenities, services, shopping, and destinations that reduce the need to drive up to Innes Road or across Brian Coburn for everyday errands, often waiting in traffic to get there,” Kitts said. “This is a significant step toward building a more complete, connected, and convenient community. There is still a planning process ahead, but this is a very important milestone and one I know many residents have been eagerly waiting for.” Some residents on Facebook asked Kitts about using the land for a new community centre or Ottawa Public Library branch, but the councillor noted the land is privately owned. “The options here were: commercial, or residential,” Kitts said. Some residents also raised concerns about traffic on Brian Coburn Boulevard. Kitts said the intersection and the section from Mer Bleue to Tenth Line Road is the “first priority” to widen Brian Coburn and “widening is already in design.”
