Heart of Orléans BIA Position on New Development Applications

Summary Position

 

The Heart of Orléans BIA supports development that is:

 

• Mixed-use and people-focused

• Aligned with the Orléans Secondary Plan

• Supportive of local businesses and economic growth

• Designed to build complete, 15-minute neighbourhoods

• Backed by appropriate infrastructure and servicing

 

Thoughtful development is essential to ensuring Orléans continues to grow as a vibrant, resilient, and economically strong community.

 

Detailed Position

 

The Heart of Orléans Business Improvement Area (BIA) supports thoughtful, well-planned growth that strengthens the local economy, enhances livability, and contributes to a complete, connected community.

 

1. Support for Mixed-Use Development

 

The BIA strongly supports mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, and community-oriented uses. Developments that bring new residents, workers, and visitors into or near the BIA district help support local businesses by increasing daily foot traffic and creating a more vibrant streetscape.

 

Mixed-use projects that activate the ground floor with retail, food services, and community-serving businesses are particularly encouraged.

 

2. Alignment with the Orléans Secondary Plan

New development applications should be consistent with the vision, policies, and intent

of the Orléans Secondary Plan. This includes:

 

• Supporting complete communities

• Enhancing walkability and connectivity

• Reinforcing designated main streets and corridors

• Contributing positively to the public realm

 

Developments that align with the Secondary Plan help ensure growth is predictable, coordinated, and beneficial to both residents and businesses.

 

3. Supporting the BIA District as a Destination

 

The BIA supports development that encourages residents to live, shop, dine, and access services locally. Bringing more people within walking or cycling distance of the BIA district strengthens local businesses, reduces reliance on car travel, and reinforces Orléans as a destination within the city.

 

Development should be viewed not only through a housing lens, but also through its ability to support local economic activity.

 

4. Advancing 15-Minute Neighbourhoods

 

The BIA supports development that contributes to 15-minute neighbourhoods, where residents can meet most of their daily needs – including shopping, services, dining, employment, and recreation – within a short walk, bike ride, or transit trip.

 

Projects that improve connectivity between residential areas and the BIA district are strongly encouraged.

 

5. Infrastructure and Servicing Readiness

 

Approvals for new development must be accompanied by appropriate infrastructure and servicing, including:

 

• Transportation, parking and transit capacity

• Active transportation infrastructure

• Utilities and municipal services

• Public realm improvements

 

Growth should not outpace the infrastructure needed to support it. Ensuring infrastructure readiness is critical to long-term economic vitality and quality of life.

 

6. Economic Development Considerations

 

The BIA encourages the City to evaluate development applications through an economic development lens, including:

 

• Opportunities for local commercial space

• Support for small and independent businesses

• Job creation and retention

• Long-term contribution to the local tax base/levy

 

Developments that strengthen the local business ecosystem and support economic resilience should be prioritized.

 

7. Collaboration and Early Engagement

 

The Heart of Orléans BIA welcomes early and ongoing engagement with developers and City staff. Proactive collaboration helps identify opportunities to enhance commercial viability, improve design outcomes, and align projects with community and economic objectives.