An Update from the Neighbours for Tunney’s Group
Greetings,
Neighbours for Tunney’s would like to thank all of the local residents and followers who took the time to complete the 2025 survey we recently shared on the ‘Redevelopment of Tunney’s Pasture’.
We had 419 respondents and our Neighbours for Tunney’s group has grown to 633 members. We’re pleased that so many neighbours continue to weigh in on this project. By working together we hope to contribute to building a better, more sustainable and integrated new community at Tunney’s Pasture.
Click here to VIEW SURVEY RESULTS
Below, we provide some thoughts from the Neighbours for Tunney's group on the results and provide a list of priority issues that the group has been discussing. We also present our “ask” as well as “next steps” you can take to have your voice heard.
Neighbours for Tunney’s reflections on survey results
Responses to the survey question on amenities highlight a strong community desire for amenities that provide essential services, while also emphasizing enhanced quality of life and fostering of social connections. There seems to be a desire for a well-rounded, self-sufficient, and community-oriented development that caters to diverse needs but also encourages thoughtful design to build opportunities for people to connect, interact, play, and relax in the community, and with nature through the preservation of green space.
A hopeful and enthusiastic theme also emerged—whereby many respondents outlined how they believe this to be a “unique opportunity for the city of Ottawa”; a “legacy development”—a moment to use one of the last underdeveloped urban spaces, to “build something bold, thoughtful and inclusive” that “enhances Ottawa as a capital city” rather than just work to maximize density or economic gain.
Based on the survey results, Neighbours for Tunney’s outlines ten actions that could be taken to align development plans with community needs and aspirations:
Note: this list does not include current work underway to ensure affordable housing and traffic planning
1. Prioritize green space and parks – Since a majority of respondents emphasized the need for parks and recreational areas, planners should ensure ample green space is integrated into the design, with features like playgrounds, walking paths, natural areas and seating areas (Ottawa’s Official plans outline targets).
2. Facilitate grocery store development – The strong demand for grocery stores suggests engaging with grocery retailers early to establish convenient access to fresh food and everyday essentials.
3. Invest in recreation and sports facilities – Including a multi-use recreation center, swimming pool, skating rink, and/or sports field would address a major community desire for accessible sport, fitness and leisure options (Ottawa’s official Recreation plan includes targets).
4. Establish a community center – A multi-purpose community hub for social interaction, entertainment, meetings, and local programming could be developed to serve diverse needs.
5. Expand health services – Exploring the possibility of a health clinic/pharmacy/wellness centre would help ensure residents have access to medical care.
6. Work with school boards on education facilities – Population growth in the area may require new schools or additional childcare options, necessitating collaboration with education authorities.
7. Support local businesses and retail – Encouraging small, independent shops, cafés, and restaurants would foster economic sustainability and meet the preference for locally owned businesses.
8. Enhance walkability and transit access – Prioritizing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, bike lanes, and transit connectivity would support a self-sufficient and accessible community.
9. Install public amenities – Features like public washrooms, benches, and water fountains should be incorporated to improve accessibility/comfort for residents/visitors.
10. Engage further with the community – Conducting follow-up consultations to refine priorities and gather additional input would ensure development efforts stay aligned with evolving needs.
Next Steps for Neighbours for Tunney’s
Neighbours for Tunney’s will continue to advocate for true transparency and active involvement in the redevelopment process with federal and municipal stakeholders—including regular and meaningful public engagement opportunities. We are calling on the federal and municipal governments to co-host a strategically-timed, open public forum on the redevelopment of Tunney’s Pasture in collaboration with community partners—to include our MP, MPP and City Councilor as well as city officials such as the GM of Planning.
Next Steps for You
As neighbours living near Tunney’s Pasture, we know that many of you want to be involved. We hope that a ward forum is organized soon and that you will actively participate. In the meantime, you can encourage your neighbours to get engaged by visiting the Neighbours for Tunney’s website and signing up for our newsletter.
When the City posts the Tunney’s Pasture development proposal on the DevApps site, we will notify you via the newsletter. This will be another opportunity for you to have your say.
Find all our news and sign up to follow updates at our website: www.neighboursfortunneys.ca
Reach Neighbours for Tunney’s by email at: neighboursfortunneys@gmail.com
Take care and thank you for getting—and for staying—involved,
Neighbours for Tunney’s
P.S. Neighbours for Tunney’s is an entirely volunteer-led group, headed by a core of interested local residents–including members of the four Community Associations surrounding Tunney’s Pasture. NFT was formed with the mandate to seek information from Canada Lands Company and Public Services and Procurement Canada and our elected officials about the redevelopment of Tunney’s Pasture and to create ongoing opportunities for residents from the surrounding communities to engage in this significant project. Anyone can email us to sign up to receive NFT Newsletters, 600+ neighbours already have!
