Re: Architects join chorus against Communism memorial site
As the federal Liberal candidate for Ottawa Centre, each week I meet and listen to key concerns of hundreds of local citizens.
During these talks, many Ottawa Centre residents have expressed frustration that the Harper government is building the important Memorial to the Victims of Communism on the controversial Wellington Street site.
Residents, who will live with this memorial in their neighbourhood, oppose the installation of the monument on such a prized and prominent property.
They also complain the memorial is out of context with the historic architecture it will sit amidst – the Supreme Court, Library and Archives Canada, the Justice Building and our cherished Parliament Buildings.
While the Liberal Party supports a national memorial to the victims of communism, the site selected by the government for the monument should be reconsidered.
I have written the minister responsible for the National Capital Commission and the Ottawa region, Nepean-Carleton MP Pierre Poilievre, urging him to stand up for local residents by pushing the pause button and ensuring a transparent public consultation process is undertaken with community leaders, top architects, historians and local residents.
There are no second chances with this kind of multi-million dollar project. Minister Poilievre needs to stand up for Ottawa residents and take the time to get it right!
Catherine McKenna,
Federal Liberal Candiate,
Ottawa Centre