The federal government has recognized Ottawa's Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood as a historic district. Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King spoke about the area's significance at a special ceremony on May 30, 2025.
In 2021, my motion to support the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association's application to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was approved by City Council. The application sought national historic district designation for Rockcliffe Park.
National historic districts are geographically defined areas for commemoration due to characteristics such as a special sense of time and place through buildings, structures and open spaces modified by human use and which are united by past events and use, aesthetics, and planned architecture.
In May 2024, the Government of Canada awarded Rockcliffe Park the National Historic Site of Canada designation. This honour was made possible by residents who supported the community with their efforts and contributions.
On May 30, 2025, the Government of Canada held an event to officially recognize this achievement. My remarks from today’s event are below:
Distinguished guests, residents, and members of the diplomatic corps:
Before I begin, I'd like to acknowledge that we are upon the territory of the Algonquin Nation, as well as share remarks from Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who unfortunately cannot be with us today:
“I want to start by acknowledging the rich history of Rockcliffe Park — a community that has been a cornerstone of Ottawa for generations. I regret that I couldn't be there in person today to celebrate this special moment with all of you.”
“That said, I want to express my deep respect and gratitude to everyone in the village who has worked to preserve Rockcliffe's unique character and heritage. Your commitment means a lot to the city as a whole.”
“Thank you to the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association and our partners at the Government of Canada for making today's event possible. Designating Rockcliffe Park Historic District as a National Historic Site is a proud moment for all of us.”
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Echoing the Mayor, today indeed marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate this designation—a recognition long overdue for this remarkable community that has shaped our nation's story for over a century.
Standing here in this peaceful residential enclave, with its tree-lined streets and tranquil lake at its heart, we are surrounded by living history. From the rocky outcroppings and rugged topography that give this place its name, to the shores of the Ottawa River where our nation's story unfolds daily, Rockcliffe Park represents something quintessentially Canadian.
This designation honours not just the physical beauty of McKay Lake and the Pond, or the elegant homes that grace these winding roads, but the people who have called this place home. From the earliest residents who built along the headlands above the Ottawa River, to the diplomatic community that has strengthened Canada's place in the world, Rockcliffe Park has been home to those who have shaped our national story.
As we celebrate this National Historic Site designation, we commit to preserving not just the buildings and landscapes, but the spirit of this place—a community that embodies the best of Canadian values: respect for nature, thoughtful development, and service to our nation.
We can only commit to properly protecting our historic communities if municipalities are provided the legislative tools from the province to do so. That requires the strengthening and restoration of local decision making in heritage and land use decisions and enhanced enforcement and maintenance provisions for property owners to maintain heritage buildings, with clear penalties for “demolition by neglect”.
We need to allow for interim protection orders that can be quickly applied when a building is threatened, providing immediate but temporary protection while a full heritage assessment is conducted. This would prevent demolition or alteration before proper evaluation.
Further, municipalities require provincial funding and technical support to help with heritage research, designation processes, and enforcement, in order to address chronic under-resourcing that hampers effective protection. By making such investments we can ensure the preservation of great communities.
Rockcliffe Park stands as proof that great communities are built not just with vision, but with care for the land, respect for history, and dedication to the common good. Today, we ensure that future generations will inherit this legacy, preserved for all Canadians to cherish.
