TEK Tower (30 Francis) | 45 fl | U/C

[panamaniac]

Ottawa's design review panel makes extensive comments on new proposals.  Their mandate covers all proposals above 4 storeys that would require height or density above that permitted by zoning.

I'm surprised that Kitchener and Waterloo wouldn't have similar panels.  I would have thought it standard practice.

OK, so they would only review projects that request FAR or height variances beyond that permitted. Do they make the decision on what is acceptable or not (effectively being able to veto the project) or do they just provide a recommendation to council or staff?

Their (public) recommendations are directed at the developers.  They are not binding, but they seem to carry considerable weight.