Ottawa’s west end will soon be home to a new family entertainment destination after city officials gave the green light to an indoor amusement park at Hazeldean Mall. The Planning and Housing Committee unanimously approved the proposal yesterday, marking a significant revitalization effort for the Kanata shopping center that has struggled with vacant spaces in recent years.
The 40,000-square-foot entertainment facility will occupy the former Shoppers Drug Mart location on the mall’s east side, bringing rides, games, and attractions aimed at families with children aged 2-12. This development represents one of the most substantial new investments in the mall’s nearly four-decade history.
“This is exactly the kind of creative repurposing we need to see in our suburban commercial spaces,” said Councillor Allan Hubley, who represents Kanata South. “I’ve heard from countless families in my ward who are excited about having a quality entertainment option closer to home.”
The amusement park, proposed by Montreal-based Funtime Entertainment Group, will feature a mix of mechanical rides, climbing structures, arcade games, and party rooms. According to documents submitted to the city, the facility expects to create approximately 35 new jobs and attract up to 500 visitors daily during peak periods.
Mall ownership believes the attraction will breathe new life into the shopping center. “We’ve been working to reimagine Hazeldean Mall as more than just a traditional retail space,” explained Jennifer Morris, property manager for Hazeldean Mall. “Adding family entertainment aligns perfectly with our vision to create a community hub where people gather for experiences, not just shopping.”
The approval didn’t come without concerns from some nearby residents. Several homeowners from the adjacent Bryden Court expressed worries about increased traffic and noise, particularly during evening hours and weekends.
In response, city planners worked with the developer to implement several mitigation measures. The facility will include enhanced soundproofing, and operating hours will be restricted to 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The mall has also committed to traffic flow improvements in its eastern parking area.
Ottawa’s retail landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with traditional shopping centers facing increasing pressure from online commerce. This trend accelerated during the pandemic, leaving many malls with significant vacant space. City planners see the Hazeldean project as a potential model for other struggling retail centers.
“The future of suburban malls lies in diversification,” noted city planner Shawn Thompson. “Entertainment, services, and experiences are becoming essential components of successful retail environments.”
The amusement park proposal required a zoning amendment, as the current designation didn’t permit entertainment facilities of this scale. The committee’s recommendation now moves to full City Council for final approval next week, though this is largely considered a formality given the unanimous committee support.
Construction could begin as early as September, with developers aiming for a grand opening in spring 2024. The facility joins several other non-retail tenants that have moved into the mall in recent years, including a medical clinic, government services office, and fitness center.
For longtime Kanata residents, the transformation of Hazeldean Mall reflects broader changes in the community. Having covered west-end development for over a decade, I’ve watched this mall evolve from a bustling retail center to a struggling property, and potentially now to a reimagined community space.
Local business groups have enthusiastically supported the project. “This investment shows confidence in Kanata’s family-friendly character,” said Misty Harris, executive director of the Kanata Central Business Improvement Area. “It’s exactly the kind of attraction that keeps dollars in our community rather than seeing families drive downtown or to other areas for entertainment.”
The project represents a growing trend across North America where developers are turning to entertainment options to revitalize traditional retail spaces. Similar transformations have succeede
