Friday, Apr. 26: A previous owner of 501 Cole Ave. argues that the property should be demolished. You can write us too, at: letters@ottawacitizen.com.
Published Apr 26, 2024 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 2 minute read
Requiem for a Neighbourhood
Re: Highland Park home designated as heritage property, Apr. 21
Article content
We owned 501 Cole Ave. for over 30 years. It is where we raised our four children. But we owned it at a different time, when Highland Park was a different neighbourhood. In fact, we fell in love with this house not only because of its inherent character, but also because of the character of the neighbourhood to which it belonged. That neighbourhood no longer exists.
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
Sadly, 501 Cole Ave. has been allowed to fall into disrepair by its most recent owners, to the point of becoming an eyesore — a rather obvious and convenient means to an end. And while that’s a shame, I believe that it would be better to tear it down now rather than to cling desperately to a past that has already slipped away.
Agencies that confer heritage designations on properties have it backwards. They should protect the neighbourhood to protect the house. Not the other way around.
Barry Sterparn, Ottawa
Shut down hateful gatherings
Re: Ottawa protest cheering Oct. 7 attack draws condemnation, Apr. 23:
We are all aware of the right to peaceful and organized protesting. However, Saturday’s pro-Palestinian protest and others which promote hate and intimidation must be stopped.
The Prime Minister is quoted as saying “this rhetoric has no place in Canada,” and Marco Mendicino said “it must not be tolerated.” All strong words, but I read nowhere in the article of any plan of action to have these types of protests disallowed.
It is reprehensible for anyone in Canada to publicly promote hatred and intimidation or support terrorism, regardless of where it has taken place. The government and municipalities who give the go-ahead for peaceful rallies and protests should as well be prepared to immediately shut down gatherings such as the one on Saturday.
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Pat Tierney, Cardinal
Anti-Israel protests can be reasonable
Israel has killed more than 30,000 civilians, encouraged starvation of the local population and damaged the area’s major hospital. This is a reasonable reason for concern, criticism and even some anger as is occurring in many democratic countries, including Canada, irrespective of the cause of this latest conflict and who started it.
Canadians who support Israel have a right to their opinion, but they should also expect and accept to be criticized without using antisemitism as an excuse to limit reasonable protests.
Francois P. Jeanjean, Ottawa
A teacher’s cautionary tale
Re: Anonymous complaints ended his 23-year career, Apr. 14
The question that usually follows when I tell people I teach music is: “In high school?”
Aside from my aversion to mass musical instruction, the destruction of Richard Smith’s unique and helpful educational vision through what amounts to prejudice reminds me of my solid decision decades ago as a male person not to even consider the public system.
My brother who supply-taught as a music teacher was dismissed when he physically tried to help a student who had fallen carrying a heavy and bulky baritone sax case. Um, no touching!
The problem is not the teachers.
Thomas Brawn, Orléans
Recommended from Editorial
Today’s letters: Teachers are paid to rule schools, not children and their parents
Today’s letters: NCC should prioritize 24 Sussex Drive restoration over Westboro Beach renovation
Article content
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : OttawaCitizen – https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/letters/todays-letters-despite-heritage-designation-highland-park-eyesore-should-be-torn-down