Private and foreign developers will change Ottawa forever.

Block 2 which is directly across the street from Parliament Hill.Eleven buildings on Block 2 are slated for demolition.The National Capital Commission wanted to demolish half of Metcalfe Street to create a grand boulevard between Parliament and the Museum of Nature.

 

Block 2 in the near future. A foreign architectural company's vision for Canadian government buildings. I cannot see one Maple Leaf Flag or Canadian Coat of Arms; the statue of Terry Fox is gone; and I believe that the northern half of the Sparks Street Mall will be decimated. Also, the NCC wants to see a ban on vehicles on Wellington Street.   

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau expropriated properties opposite Parliament Hill to save the heritage buildings, to provide more space for office workers and to prevent the construction of high rise condominiums.

PARLIAMENT HILL-MEASURES TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT-STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

House of Commons July 20, 1973. Hon. Jean-Eudes Dube (Minister of Public Works) Liberal:

"Mr. Speaker, for a number of years now it has been recognized that Parliament faces a severe space problem, creating a limitation of its effective operation. As Parliament has become, through its committees and other ways, even more involved in all aspects of the nation's life, it has become a year round operation and space available has fallen behind its needs as they have developed in the modern era."

"Moreover, concern has been expressed about the danger of visual encroachment on the beauty of the present parliamentary precinct, which is one of the great symbols of Canada. We must ensure that nearby developments do not adversely affect it and furthermore we have an opportunity, I believe, to enhance the parliamentary precinct by enlarging and thereby completing it, in a fitting manner. The longer we wait the more costly the solution."

"Hon. members are aware, of course, that we have achieved temporary relief of the space problem by refurbishing the Confederation Building and making it available to members. However, it is only a temporary solution as all members are aware and as you, Mr. Speaker, were careful to point out at the time I had the pleasure of handing over the Confederation Building to your very able and competent jurisdiction."

"We have all been aware that to properly house the expanded requirements of Parliament for the generations ahead in a way that would both complement 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 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 its 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. My department will be working closely with the commission to marry the architectural requirements of Parliament to the exciting possibilities this location raises."

"For this purpose it is important that Parliament be at the heart of this process and I wish to announce that it is the intention of the government to appoint a commission on parliamentary accomodation comprised of present and former members of parliament representing all parties in the House and in the Senate. The government will be consulting leaders of all parties with respect to appointments to the commission."

"The purpose of the commission will be to advise on the amount and type of facilities that parliament will require to operate effectively for the future."

"I should like to add a few words, Mr. Speaker, with respect to the existing properties and especially the Sparks Street Mall. It is the government's intention that until Parliament's needs have been fully defined, there will be no disturbances whatsoever on the existing properties. This will be especially true of the commercial operations on Sparks Street. Some of the office accomodation in the upper levels may be used for government purposes from time to time, but the commercial character of Sparks Street at ground level will be left intact."

"To underscore this, I wish to emphasize that all leases have been excluded from the expropriation process. I want to assure everyone invloved 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 all 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."

Hon. Members: "Hear, hear!"

House of Commons Ottawa July 20, 1973. MP Walter Baker (Grenville-Carleton) Progressive Conservative:

House of Commons Ottawa July 20, 1973. MP Stanley Knowles (Winnipeg North) NDP House Leader:

House of Commons Ottawa July 20, 1973. MP Real Caouette (Temiscamingue) Social Credit:

 "Sparks Street: The five-block, eastwest pedestrian mall and surrounding area is the NCC's public enemy No. 1."( Macleans Magazine, September 3,2001.)

"It's Crown against town and sparks are flying as the National Capital Commission prepares to demolish an entire block in downtown Ottawa. City officials, businessmen and private citizens alike fear that the NCC's plan to raze Sparks Street and replace it with office towers, apartments, stores and restaurants will destroy rather than revitalize the downtown core." (Globe and Mail, May 2, 2001.)