HERITAGE ON LEBRETON FLATS: COMMEMORATING THE 1962 EXPROPRIATION
On April 19, 1962, residents of LeBreton Flats received a letter notifying them that the National Capital Commission (NCC) had expropriated their property. Impetus for the project came from the Greber Plan. As part of commemorative efforts to honour WWII veterans, Greber was tasked with turning Ottawa into a national capital fitting for all Canadians. By the end of 1965, the area known as ‘The Flats’ had been completely razed as one of Ottawa’s largest urban renewal projects.
The 1962 expropriation of LeBreton Flats and its subsequent demolition and dereliction changed the cultural and physical landscape of the Flats. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of its expropriation, a series of projects have been developed to promote the built and social heritage of the LeBreton Flats landscape.
These projects include:
- commemorative public event on April 19, 2012 at the Mill Street Brewery
- virtual exhibit
- special series of Walking Tours to be hosted during the spring and summer of 2012
Our Volunteer Steering Committee
MacKenzie Kimm
MacKenzie is a fourth-year student at Carleton University in the History of Art and Architecture Program.
Maureen Mahoney
Maureen is a PhD candidate in the History Department at Carleton University. Her research explores the City Beautiful movement in urban planning in the United States.
Nancy Oakley
Nancy is a professional historical researcher and an MA Candidate in the Heritage Conservation Program at Carleton University’s School of Canadian Studies. Nancy also volunteers as the Heritage Keeper Program Coordinator for Heritage Ottawa. Nancy’s current research is focused on the management of cultural landscapes and protected areas.
Kaitlin Wainwright
Kaitlin is a recent graduate of Carleton University's Public History program. Her Master's research explored the connections between the architecture of the Canadian War Museum and its site on LeBreton Flats, in light of a growing literature on militarized landscapes and urban renewal. She has successfully completed research contracts with the National Capital Commission and the City of Ottawa.
Our Research TeaM
Our Research Team is headed by Maureen Mahoney and MacKenzie Kimm and comprised of four volunteers from Carleton University. At this time we are not looking for additional research volunteers, however if you wish to be involved please let us know and we can keep you in mind for future opportunities!
For more information, or if you wish to contribute, please contact us at: heritageontheflats@gmail.com
We are seeking volunteers!
The Ontario Heritage Toolkit are guides explaining the Ontario Heritage Act, the Planning Act, and the Historic Places Initiative.
The Ontario Heritage Act gives municipalities and the provincial government powers to preserve the Ontario's heritage buildings and archaeological sites. Learn More
Join us!
Heritage Ottawa has worked for over 30 years to help preserve the city's heritage buildings and historic landscapes. Show your support by becoming a member today.
Over 35 Years of Newsletters!Heritage Ottawa newsletters published since 1974 are available online here.
HERITAGE ON LEBRETON FLATS:
COMMEMORATING THE 1962 EXPROPRIATION
On April 19, 1962, residents of LeBreton Flats received a letter notifying them that the National Capital Commission (NCC) had expropriated their property. Impetus for the project came from the Greber Plan. As part of commemorative efforts to honour WWII veterans, Greber was tasked with turning Ottawa into a national capital fitting for all Canadians. By the end of 1965, the area known as ‘The Flats’ had been completely razed as one of Ottawa’s largest urban renewal projects. Read More
Ottawa’s Terra Cotta Architecture: Two Walking Tours:
Designed for residents and tourists alike, this publication consists of two self-guided walking tours of Ottawa’s existing, and vanished, terra cotta buildings in Centretown and the Downtown Core. More information
Be a tourist in your own city! Discover Ottawa’s vibrant local heritage through CHOO/COPO’s Members’ events, educational programs, walking tours, historic sites, museums, lectures and more with the CHOO/COPO Members Map!
View CHOO/COPO Members in a larger map