FIFTY-FIVE PLUS MAGAZINE, by Dan Lalande

Imagine Ottawa without its architectural iconography. Strip its streets of the Parliament Buildings, the Chateau Laurier, the Aberdeen Pavilion and other cultural touchstones synonymous with the city.  Imagine the disconnect with our history, our aesthetic, our civic and national pride. Imagine the blow to patriotism, tourism and our international standing. 

Next, imagine a dedicated and growing group of conscientious, appreciative and demonstrative citizens actively ensuring the preservation and enhancement of our impressive, varied and important exoskeleton, letting Ottawa be Ottawa through volunteer-based awareness, education and advocacy.

Now, imagine yourself as a part of it.

For almost 60 years, Heritage Ottawa has been championing the protection and stewardship of Ottawa's infrastructural legacy. Heritage Ottawa is an award-winning, not-for-profit grassroots initiative, the largest one in the city devoted to architectonic preservation.  As its impressive list of "wins" against desecration or demolition attests — for an impressive sample size, see the 50 Years | 50 Stories section of its website posted in conjunction with its 50th anniversary in 2017 — the organization is proof positive that "You can't fight City Hall!" is defeatist nonsense and that "Power to the People" isn't an outdated Baby Boomer catchphrase.

"Supporting Heritage Ottawa helps ensure that the organization continues to have the ability to speak out for places at risk," says president Katherine Spencer-Ross. "By repurposing historic places, they remain relevant, not trampled and sent to landfill." In addition, she points out, their adaptation to new uses visibly promotes environmental sustainability. 

This respected, registered charity doggedly pursues its mandate through a number of initiatives...

CLICK HERE to read this article in its entirety on the FIFTY-FIVE PLUS MAGAZINE website.