HERITAGE OTTAWA

Recent Matters

The City of Ottawa's Built Heritage Sub-Committee (BHSC) met on February 8, 2018 to consider current heritage applications and related recommendations of city staff.

Heritage Ottawa submitted a letter to the BHSC indicating its agreement with the City Staff Report recommendation to approve an application for demolition and new construction at 50 Lakeway Drive in the Rockcliffe Park Heritage Conservation District.  The community did not oppose the application.  The matter was passed by BHSC without debate as part of its consent agenda.  BHSC's recommendation was subsequently approved by Planning Committee, which recommended approval of the application to Ottawa City Council.  View the City Staff Report here.             

Heritage Ottawa submitted a letter to BHSC and spoke at the meeting in opposition to the City Staff Report's recommendation to approve an application for demolition and construction of a new building at 231 Cobourg Street in the Wilbrod Laurier Heritage Conservation District.  Heritage Ottawa considers this matter to be an egregious example of heritage demolition-by-neglect.  BHSC recommended that the matter be referred back o city staff for further review and that an additional structural engineering report be done on the existing building.  A revised report will be brought back to BHSC in such time as to permit consideration by the BHSC, Planning Committee and Council prior to May 9, 2018.  View the City Staff Report here.

Ongoing Matters

Proposed Addition to Château Laurier

Representatives of Heritage Ottawa attended the Château Laurier Open House at Ottawa City Hall on February 28, 2018 to view the most recent model of the proposed addition and hear presentations by architect Peter Clewes, heritage consultant Michael McLelland, and City of Ottawa heritage planner Sally Coutts.

Heritage Ottawa was disappointed by the lack of a public "question and answer" session after the presentations, although the presenters were available to speak with individuals.

With benefit of the latest information, Heritage Ottawa drafted an updated position statement on the proposed Château Laurier addition and encouraged members of the public to "have their say" by completing the city's online feedback form before the March 9, 2018 deadline.

In addition to its designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Château Laurier is also a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Heritage Ottawa will continue to advocate for an appropriate solution that respects the heritage character of the Château Laurier.