OTTAWA - Environment Minister Catherine McKenna wants the owners of the Chateau Laurier to come up with another plan for an addition to the historic hotel even after Ottawa's city council approved the controversial expansion.
McKenna is the senior minister for the Ottawa area.
McKenna says in a statement that she agrees with the overwhelming majority of her constituents that the addition isn't compatible with the building they love and she's ready to participate in any discussion that could lead to a better outcome.
Larco Investments, which owns the national historic site just across the Rideau Canal from Parliament Hill, has worked on the expansion for nearly four years and sent five versions of plans to Ottawa city hall in that time.
Critics say the contemporary design clashes with the French-castle look of the existing building, resembling a radiator or a shipping container.
With the backing of Mayor Jim Watson, Ottawa city council voted 14 to 9 on Wednesday to let the project go ahead, and confirmed that decision in a second vote today.
