Thursday, February 13, 2020

The following government of Canada buildings are endangered, in my opinion.

They are standing in the way a massive redevelopment project across from Parliament Hill, Ottawa.
1.)  The former Capital Information Centre, 90 Wellington Street is vacant, take a look at the side view. The plaza in front of 90 Wellington was the site of the Rideau Club.
2.)  National Press Building - 150 Wellington Street.
3.)  Canada's 4 Corners - 93 Sparks Street.
4.)  Booth - 165 Sparks Street.
5.)  Senate of Canada - 140 Wellington.
6.)  Former Union Bank, 128 Wellington.
7.)  Brouse and Slater Buildings - 177-181 Sparks.
8.)  La Promenade - 151 Sparks Street.
9.)  Bank of Nova Scotia - 125 Sparks Street.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The federal government expropriated all of the property bounded by Wellington Street, Elgin Street, Sparks Street and Bank Street, in order to provide more space for parliamentarians, and to save the architectural history of the area.
                                                     
 House of Commons Debates Ottawa    July 20, 1973
Jean-Eudes Dube (Minister of Public Works) Liberal
Hon. Jean-Eudes Dube
     "We have all been aware that to properly house the expanded requirements of Parliament for the generations ahead in a way that would both compliment and preserve the existing architectural beauty of the Parliament Buildings we must enlarge the present parliamentary grounds.
     I wish therefore to announce, Mr. Speaker, that I have today, on behalf of the government, filed a notice of intent to expropriate all of the land and buildings in the area bounded by Wellington Street, Elgin Street, Sparks Street and Bank Street. The purpose of this expropriation is as I have indicated to protect the environment of Parliament from any development which could adversely affect it and simultaneously provide the land for an appropriate expansion of parliamentary facilities and other government requirements. The property of the United States Embassy has been excluded from this expropriation but discussions are well advanced for it's acquisition.
     This action will also provide the National Capital Commission with a splendid opportunity to plan the urban development of this most critical piece of land which is at the heart of the national capital and which constitutes a bridge between Parliament and the City of Ottawa.
     I would like to add a few words, Mr. Speaker, with respect to existing properties and especially the Sparks Street Mall. It is the governments intention that until Parliament's needs have been fully defined, there will be no disturbances of the existing properties. This is especially true of the commercial operations on Sparks Street....I want to assure everyone that on the Mall it will be business as usual.
     Further, it is the government's intention that when a plan is developed for the area, including the architecture of the buildings, space will continue to be provided for commercial operations facing Sparks Street so that the present character of the Mall will be preserved and enhanced.
     We are proud of the outstanding appearance and setting of the Parliament of Canada. It is as impressive as any in the world. I think we will all agree that we have a duty to preserve its dignity, grace and beauty for the years ahead, in accordance with the fundamental position it occupies in the life of the nation."
Walter David Baker Progressive Conservative.
Mr. Walter Baker (Grenville-Carleton)
     Mr. Speaker, let me say that on behalf of Her Majesty's Loyal opposition we welcome this announcement today and commend the government for taking this important step...I would say that the most significant aspect of this announcement is the aspect of control. Parliament Hill is recognized as a place of unparalleled architectural beauty. More than that, it is the symbol and the centre of our national life. As such it deserves protection from the conflicts and differences in points of view that arise between municipalities and developers on land use, even if they are well intentioned. This announcement today will ensure that the people of Canada whose national capital this city is will have a part in the development of its centre."


No comments:

Post a Comment