On Nov. 6, the Built Heritage Committee heard about the heritage impacts of Lansdowne 2.0. While the heritage buildings on site would not be altered, the new construction will have impacts on sightlines and visibility.
Lansdowne is subject to a 2012 Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Heritage Trust to conserve heritage resources and any work on the site will require their approval. In consultation with the Ontario Heritage Trust, staff have established a series of heritage conservation measures to be implemented through the Zoning By-Law Amendment and the Council-approved Concept Plan.
This report will be considered at the Special Meeting of City Council scheduled to begin on Wednesday, November 8 at 1 pm, following the regular Council meeting.
The Committee recommended that council designated the Bronson Centre at 211 Bronson Avenue as a heritage property. The building is now a hub for social services, arts and entertainment but in its past, it served as Immaculata High School and was associated with the Grey Nuns. It is a representative example of a Collegiate Gothic style institutional building, constructed in phases between 1929 and 1962. As rehabilitation work is underway at the building, the Committee also recommended a heritage permit to allow this work to continue.
The Committee approved the demolition of 283-285 McLeod Street and the application for new construction of a five-storey 31-unit residential building. While the current buildings were built in 1900s and 1920s, the properties were heavily altered sometime after 1975. As a result, their contribution to the streetscape is limited to their height, massing, siting and front yard setback. The site is located across the street from the Museum of Nature and the new construction would respect its historic surroundings. The building proposal maintains the established front yard setback and the existing two to three-storey height along McLeod Street, rising to five storeys at its highest point at the rear of the lot.
The Committee also approved the application to alter the former Hintonburg Pumping Station at 5 Onigam Street. The pumping station was decommissioned in 1924 and converted into a residence and gatehouse to serve the new water plant constructed on Lemieux Island. Over the years, exposure to the elements has worsened the stability of the structure, and the proposed work will stabilize and restore it for public use.
Except where noted, items from today’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, November 22.
