Today's letters: Labelling Rideau Street 'heritage' fixes nothing

Saturday, June 15: Perhaps addressing the rampant social issues that plague the area is the real priority, some suggest. You can write to us too, at [email protected]

Published Jun 15, 2024 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 6 minute read

The city wants to designate several buildings along Rideau Street as “heritage.” Photo by Julie Oliver /POSTMEDIA

Labelling Rideau Street ‘heritage’ doesn’t solve its problems

Re: Property owners quarrelling with Ottawa’s heritage designation plans for Rideau Street, June 11.

In a bold, visionary effort to maintain Ottawa’s historic charm, city heritage officials have embarked on a mission to preserve the “historic main street feel” of Rideau Street by designating some buildings as heritage. Evidently, in a city bereft of more pressing concerns, this initiative has garnered the enthusiastic support of every citizen who dreams of a return to the golden days when brick facades were pristine.

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One building owner, however, has audaciously suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, the city might have a few other priorities, such as addressing the rampant social issues that plague the area. But really, what’s a little disorder compared to the majestic allure of vintage storefronts? The city’s grant to assist in preserving these precious façades is apparently a pittance, perhaps enough to buy a few cans of paint and a ladder.

Adding another layer to this rich tapestry of urban drama, a retailer has expressed concerns that heritage designation might hinder the marketability of their property. Imagine the horror of trying to sell a building that is not just a relic of the past but is shackled by the chains of historical significance.

Nothing screams “historical charm” louder than a crumbling edifice, valiantly resisting the passage of time and the onslaught of urban decay. The city’s stance is clear: these facades are invaluable, not because they are sturdy or functional, but because they offer a glimpse into the past — a past that might have been marginally less chaotic, at least architecturally.

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Dono Bandoro, Ottawa

Heritage should be about pride in our city

Your article appears to have done a great disservice to heritage preservation in Ottawa, Rideau Street in particular. Has it dawned on anyone that when buildings are rented to tattoo and ear-piercing parlours, that is a major part of the problem?

Heritage preservation is a result of education and pride about our built environment and, globally, it has been proven over and over to be effective in enhancing any neighbourhood. Today, in most cases it is all about the money, and it shows uncaring desperation when buildings are rented to the very businesses that bring the neighbourhood down. The caged front door should be a clue to the clientele.

The Daly building (once at the corner of Rideau and Sussex streets) was lost to power and greed in concert with the NCC when there was nobody to effectively defend it. This has happened over and over in Ottawa.

Ottawa has hired a “nightlife commissioner” to make it more fun. Talk about desperation. That is a case of “let’s create a new department to solve what existing ones have failed to do.” Sadly, the preservation of Ottawa’s heritage has taken another back seat.

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Nic Maennling, Lanark

New Carlingwood must support seniors

Re: Pellerin, Ottawa’s Carlingwood Mall could become the perfect community hub, June 7.

One of my main concerns regarding the Carlingwood Shopping Centre’s sale is whether or not it will be demolished to make way for a new “community hub.” As Brigitte Pellerin mentioned, there is already an existing community at the mall. The closing of the Rexall Pharmacy, if it happened, would prove disastrous for seniors in the area who would have to travel to Lincoln Fields or transfer to the Shoppers Drug Mart at Fairlawn Plaza to fill their prescription and buy other related products. Many seniors depend on the restaurant and food court at Carlingwood for their once- or twice-weekly coffee and food outings, weather permitting.

When I speak of the Carlingwood community, I am not only referring to the well-to-do residents of the surrounding single-family homes, who have access to a vehicle and more choice about where they do their shopping. I am mainly speaking of the seniors in the nearby apartment and condo buildings, who can only access the mall under their own locomotion, such as canes or walkers, for their grocery and other needs. The mall provides them with much-needed social interactions. As for teenagers, I’m not sure what could attract them: perhaps an arcade of some sort?

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So, we’ll see what the new owners can come up with to revitalize the area, while improving the satisfaction of the current users.

Louise Whalen, Ottawa

Add a second floor to the mall

To keep up with the upcoming neighbourhood growth, adding a second floor to the Carlingwood Shopping Centre with more shopping/dining options only makes sense.

Those who prefer one level can stay on the first floor by choice. I am excited about what is to come.

Christine Sampson, Ottawa

Why are the arts always an afterthought?

With new owners at Carlingwood Shopping Centre, we have yet another opportunity to add something artistic there: perhaps an art gallery, a multifunctional theatre, an after-school arts camp?

Why are the arts always the last missing piece in these community project puzzles?

Thomas Brawn, flutist and teacher, Orléans

Pick up the pace on climate action

Re: Ottawa can’t afford to be this slow dealing with climate change, June 10.

I agree with Angela Keller-Herzog that Ottawa can’t afford to slow down in dealing with climate change.

On April 24, 2019, the city declared a Climate Change Emergency and in January, 2020, it approved a Climate Change Master Plan. Since then, Ottawa has experienced climate emergencies in floods, tornadoes and a derecho. The fact is that urban areas are responsible for 70 per cent of global emissions and 95 per cent of Ottawa’s greenhouse gas emissions require community action. In other words, Ottawa citizens need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

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The actions of individuals result in a tragedy of the commons through the cumulative release of GHG emissions by individuals leading to global warming. Sadly, delay is the new form of climate change denialism.

Nancy Biggs, Orleans

A touching article on commemorations from Tony Lofaro

Re: Why we still mark the anniversary of a loved one’s death, June 12.

I was touched by Tony Lofaro’s article, wondering how best to commemorate the 10th anniversary of his wife’s death. Like most everyone who read it, I experienced my own memories both lovely and painful.

In 2018, as the 50th anniversary of my mother’s death approached, I, too, wondered how I could pay tribute to the amazing woman who was my mother and who had died far too soon. I decided upon an In Memoriam notice in the Citizen. I enjoyed my search for just the right photograph to include and spent time crafting a notice that would honour her memory. I cannot begin to tell you how comforting it was for me to open the paper that Saturday morning and see her smiling face on your pages. Old friends with whom I’d long ago fallen out of touch, having seen the notice, called to reminisce about my mum, sharing their memories of a woman who sparked joy in all who met her.

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For me, it was the perfect decision to commemorate a beloved woman.

Mary Larose, Aylmer

Elizabeth May is the only adult in the room

Re: Elizabeth May says there is ‘no list’ of treacherous MPs in foreign interference report, June 11.

I just wanted to say thank you to Elizabeth May for reminding us how reassuring it is to have responsible adults in the room — folks who want to make well-informed decisions that unite us, not create more chaos is an already tumultuous time.

Anyone else concerned that party leaders are not obligated to have the requisite security clearance, allowing for intelligent discourse? Thanks again, Ms. May.

Brenda Smith, Kanata

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