A proposed new tourist destination in Ottawa’s west end is looking to make a splash with tourists and residents, featuring a hotel and an indoor water park with slides that “exit and re-enter” the building. Palladium Resort Development Limited Partnership has submitted an application with the City of Ottawa to build an indoor water park, a family entertainment centre, a 236-room hotel and a restaurant on Palladium Drive near Highway 417. The proposed facility would be built down the street from Canadian Tire Centre and Tanger Outlets, and across the street from the Kanata auto park. According to the Urban Design Brief filed with the City of Ottawa by McRobie Architects and Interior Designers, the two primary components of the development are an indoor aquatic facility and a seven-storey hotel. “The aquatic facility, distinguished by its unique architectural character and exterior waterslides, is strategically located along Palladium Drive to create a vibrant, high-profile streetscape,” the report said. “The hotel component is positioned toward the north of the site, minimizing its visual and massing impacts on the adjacent residential neighbourhoods to the south. “The facilities will be connected by a shared entertainment pavilion that will have the family entertainment centre and a hotel.” The planning rationale report by JFSA Canada Inc. says the indoor water park and family entertainment centre will “support the local economy, generate employment opportunities and provide a recreational destination for both local residents and tourists from the region and beyond.” Here is a look at the attractions with the development. Water park/Indoor Entertainment Facility The report says the indoor entertainment facility will have a total gross floor area of 13,379 sq. m., which includes the main water park, a family entertainment area and a retail/gift shop. The water park will feature waterslides that “exit and re-enter the building,” the report said. “The waterslides are a critical part of the operations of the water park and the exit and re-entry through the side of the building is a standard feature on these types of facilities due to the practical benefits of reducing non functional floor space and providing an exciting visual public appeal.” Hotel The report by JFSA Canada Inc. says the hotel will have 236 rooms across seven floors, with a total gross floor area of 13,046 sq. m. “The proposed hotel is intended to provide a convenient on-site accommodation option for patrons visiting the water park, particularly those travelling from outside the Ottawa area,” the report said. “While the hotel is expected to accommodate a broad range of guests, its primary market is anticipated to consist of visitors to the water park and associated entertainment facilities.” The hotel will include a hospitality space for gatherings and events, a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant. According to the report, there will be 1,011 sq. m. of restaurant space, with a primary restaurant located within the hotel building and a concession area within the water park. The plan includes a parking lot for 704 cars. According to JFSA Canada, the project is expected to provide 445 jobs during construction and create approximately 270 full-time equivalent jobs once it opens. The properties at 2775 and 2785 Palladium Drive, and the unaddressed parcel on Culdaff Road, are currently vacant. The city’s planning and housing committee will consider the Zoning Bylaw Amendment for the plan on September 2.
