In The Zone

Institution: University of Ottawa

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Housing

Project Term: Fall 2024

Course Code: SED3111

Professor(s): Franz Newland

Group Member(s): Nyah Wagner, Reema Adan, Nadia Rahman, Nick Smith, Quinn Jackson

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Objective(s):  Our project aims to improve accessibility, understanding, and engagement with Ottawa's zoning regulations. By addressing these challenges, we seek to empower residents, small business owners, and stakeholders to actively participate in urban planning decisions. Specifically, the project objectives include:

Simplify Zoning Data: Transform complex zoning bylaws into an intuitive and visually engaging format, making it easier for non-experts to navigate and understand.

Enhance Accessibility: Create a digital, multilingual platform that prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized communities and users with varying technical abilities can access zoning information.

Increase Public Engagement: Facilitate informed participation in the City’s ongoing zoning bylaw updates by providing tools for residents and stakeholders to understand how proposed changes may impact their communities.

Foster Equitable Development: Support Ottawa’s goals of equitable and sustainable growth by empowering citizens and small businesses with actionable information that enables better decision-making.

Promote Long-Term Usability: Ensure the platform is scalable and adaptable for future updates to zoning laws and urban planning needs.

By achieving these objectives, our project aligns with the City’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, fostering inclusive and informed urban development while addressing barriers that hinder equitable access to information.

Potential for Impact: 

Short-Term Impact

In the immediate term, this project will make Ottawa’s zoning bylaws accessible and understandable to a broader audience. Small business owners, residents, and developers will gain the tools to navigate zoning regulations efficiently, reducing confusion and delays. The multilingual platform ensures inclusivity for Ottawa’s diverse population, fostering community engagement and encouraging participation in urban planning discussions. Additionally, the platform will bridge gaps between the city’s goals and community understanding, increasing trust and transparency.

Long-Term Impact

Over time, the platform has the potential to transform how communities interact with urban planning processes. It could empower underrepresented groups to have a stronger voice in zoning decisions, driving equitable development and reducing systemic barriers. The platform’s scalability allows for adaptation to future policy changes and expansion to other municipalities, setting a precedent for accessible urban planning tools nationwide.

By aligning with Ottawa’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan, the project promotes sustainable growth, economic development, and community resilience. Its emphasis on education and engagement will cultivate an informed and proactive community, ultimately creating a city where everyone can actively contribute to shaping their environment.

This project exemplifies how innovative digital tools can democratize information and foster more inclusive, sustainable urban development.