Demolition waste of local heritage
In answer to Damali Nabagereka’s article “Heritage be damned! Come park on Sparks” (Nov. 7) about the demolition of the former Woolworth and Kresge stores on Sparks Street, I can only say that the final outcome is a complete waste.
When my colleagues and I on the City of Ottawa’s Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee led the charge to have these buildings given a heritage designation last year, we were driven by our commitment to preserving buildings representing all periods and aspects of Ottawa’s history.
Apart from the loss to local history, the demolition is a waste because you can be sure the parking lot that replaces them will be there for a very long time. The new lot will become part of an existing one facing Queen Street created nearly 50 years ago. The demolition of the buildings is not the first but almost the only time someone has purposely destroyed a designated heritage structure in Ottawa.
Paul Robertson
Cornwall Street
Vacancy just an excuse
This letter is regarding the article “Heritage be damned! Come park on Sparks” (Nov. 7, 1997, page 6).
Although I have quite a few problems with the above mentioned article, I will limit my comments to two. One, Heritage Ottawa cannot give a building any kind of heritage designation let alone under the Ontario Heritage Act.
In Ontario, Heritage Designation is given by city council following a recommendation by the Local Architectural Advisory Committee.
Two, it is not true that “all of a sudden Heritage Ottawa is up in arms over them.” There has been an interest in the heritage community as to the faith of these buildings for some time.
The fact that these structures have been sitting vacant for a long period of time has been of great concern, since that condition usually leads to a building’s deterioration, and an excuse for demolition and one more parking lot.
Hagit Hadaya
Metcalfe Street
‘Dear Canada’ letters wanted
I’m asking people across the country to compose a letter beginning with the simple salutation “Dear Canada.”
It’s an opportunity to tell the country what’s on your mind, what’s going on in your life, your hopes, your fears, your dreams.
The letters will be compiled for use in a book.
The guidelines: (1) keep the letter under 500 words, (2) supply your name (anonymous letters will not be used), age and occupation.
Submission deadline is Canada Day, July 1, 1998. Letters should be addressed to: Dear Canada, P.O. Box 51021, RPO Tyndall, Winnipeg, Mb., R2R 1S5
Mike D’Amour
Winnipeg, Man.
Senior finds city great place to live
This is to express appreciation as a senior new to Canada and to Ottawa for the help your excellent paper has given me in settling in here.
I’ve lived in New York City and in London, both of which I liked because of their cosmopolitan flavor. However, I find Ottawa is the best to live; it is as sophisticated and cosmopolitan as other world centre, but it is not so huge that it is unwieldy.
When I arrived here in June, I knew I wanted to live in the heart of Ottawa.
I am fortunate to have found an apartment just off Elgin and thanks to an ad in the business directory section, I have found a great selection of used furniture.
I am most pleased I happened to pick up a copy of your paper.
Wilma Bramall
Gladstone Avenue