Syrian Embassy at 46 Cartier Street

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Ms Angela Bogdan

Chief of Protocol, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development

125 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, ON

K1A 0G2

Dear Ms. Bogdan

It has come to the attention of Heritage Ottawa that the property owned by the Syrian Embassy at 46 Cartier Street may be falling into disrepair in the absence of a resident Syrian delegation.

 46 Cartier is a heritage property designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. It was known as the Bate House when built in 1901 and was variously the home of a senator, a Supreme Court justice and a convent. It is an excellent example of the architecture of its time. As a heritage property, it should be maintained in proper condition and not be allowed to fall into neglect.

We assume that another embassy in Ottawa has been designated to care for Syrian interests in Canada.  We would be grateful if you would let us know which embassy is thus responsible so that we can remind them of the need to maintain the property in good condition.

The diplomatic corps resident in the National Capital Region has an outstanding reputation for the care taken with many of our city’s – and our nation’s – national treasures. We only hope to see this model of stewardship followed in this instance.

It would be further useful if you could forward the same message to those responsible for its maintenance.

Many thanks for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Leslie Maitland, M. Mus., CAHP

President

Cc:

Mayor Jim Watson

Councillor Jan Harder

Ms Sally Coutts, Senior Heritage Planner, City of Ottawa