The City of Ottawa’s planning and housing committee has unanimously approved zoning amendments that clear the way for a year‑round indoor water park and resort in Kanata, a proposal city staff describe as a high‑impact economic development expected to generate jobs and attract visitors.
What the approval covers
The approved zoning amendment applies to properties at 2775 and 2785 Palladium Drive, southwest of Highway 417. The application, submitted by Palladium Resort Development Limited Partnership, describes a mixed leisure complex designed by McRobie Architects and supported by planning rationale from JFSA Canada Inc.
- Indoor aquatic and entertainment facility: 13,379 sq. m. with waterslides that exit and re‑enter the main glass building.
- Family entertainment centre and a 1,011‑sq. m. restaurant.
- Hotel: seven storeys with 236 rooms.
- Parking: surface lot with 704 spaces.
City planning documents estimate the project will support approximately 445 construction jobs and about 270 full‑time equivalent positions once the complex is operating.
“a high‑impact economic development expected to create jobs and bolster local tourism.”
Next steps and timing
The planning committee’s recommendation will be sent to Ottawa City Council for final consideration on Sept. 9. The committee vote was unanimous, but council approval is required before the proponent can proceed to site plan approval and building permits. No construction timeline was included in the planning summary provided to the committee.
Local implications
For Kanata residents the project raises multiple immediate questions: traffic and access near the 417 and Palladium Drive interchange, the increase in visitor volumes, and the potential for new service jobs and business for local retailers and restaurants. The site lies in a part of Kanata that already accommodates large venues and commercial uses, and proponents argue the development will complement the existing local economy by drawing regional visitors year‑round.
City planners labelled the proposal a destination recreational facility, signalling municipal interest in supporting developments that broaden the city’s tourist and entertainment offerings beyond seasonal attractions. The addition of a sizeable hotel footprint — 236 rooms across seven storeys — indicates an expectation of overnight visitation rather than strictly local day trips.
Project facts at a glance
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Indoor aquatic and entertainment area | 13,379 sq. m. |
| Hotel rooms | 236 |
| Parking spaces | 704 |
| Estimated construction jobs | 445 |
| Estimated operational FTEs | 270 |
While the approval covers the zoning amendment, further municipal reviews will address detailed site design, servicing, stormwater and transportation mitigation. Those technical reviews, plus any conditions council applies, will shape the final scale and phasing of the development.
Neighbours and community associations often focus on matters such as noise, lighting and the location of parking and access points; those issues are typically refined during site plan control and building permit stages. The planning documents note waterslides that travel outside the glass building envelope, a detail that could affect site layout and public‑facing design treatments.
This endorsement by the planning committee follows increasing municipal interest in growth projects that can deliver employment and diversify local tourism offerings. If approved by council, the Palladium Drive complex would represent one of the larger entertainment‑focused investments in Kanata in recent years, creating both short‑term construction work and ongoing operational roles tied to hospitality and recreation.
City Council will vote on the recommendation on Sept. 9. The outcome will determine whether the proposal advances to the detailed design and permitting stages.
