Internationally renowned architect Douglas Cardinal has pitched an $85M development project for Victoria Island, located in the Ottawa River between the Chaudiere Falls and the Parliament Buildings. The design includes a curvy aboriginal centre complete with a museum, elders residence and restaurant that would carry the status of a reserve, with tax exemptions. The design also calls for the $7M rehabilitation of the historic carbide mill that served as a summer home for squatters during the 1990s. Cardinal says Victoria Island should be recognized as "a spiritual grounds" and heritage site of historic importance to Algonquin peoples and Canada.
