Ottawa built heritage Advisory Committee extract of draft Minutes 9 4 August 2011

Comité consultatif sur le patrimoine bâti d’ottawa extraite de l’Ébauche du Procès-verbal 9 le 4 aoÛt 2011

Application for the construction of An OFFICE BUilding at 412 SPARKS Street in the cathedral hill heritage conservation district

demande en vue de la construction d’un immeuble de bureaux au 412, rue SPARKS dans le district de conservation du patrimoine de la colline de la cathédrale

ACS2011-ICS-PGM-0139 somerset (14)

REPORT RECOMMENDATION:

That the Ottawa Built Heritage Advisory Committee recommend that Planning Committee recommend that City Council:

1. Approve the construction of the new office building at 412 Sparks Street;

2. Issue the Heritage Permit for 412 Sparks Street with a three year-expiry date from the date of approval; and

3. Delegate authority for minor design changes to the General Manager, Planning and Growth Management.

(Note 1: The statutory 90-day timeline for consideration of this application under the Ontario Heritage Act will expire on October 5, 2011.)

(Note 2: Approval to Alter this property under the Ontario Heritage Act must not be construed to meet the requirements for the issuance of a building permit.)

Lesley Collins, Heritage Planner, provided an overview of the report.

Matthew Johnston, Perkins and Will Architects; John Wright, Corush, Sunderland Wright; and Carl Bray, Bray Heritage were present on behalf of the applicant to provide additional details materials, design, landscaping and integration with heritage.

Leslie Maitland, President, Heritage Ottawa expressed support for the proposal noting the organization’s only reservation is the height of the flanking projects. She said Heritage Ottawa understands the position of the Diocese and their attempts to maintain aging structure while providing updated spaces for its ongoing good works. She stated that while the proposed building is not a perfect solution, given the heights of the new buildings, it is likely one that most people can live with. She pointed out that many heritage resources in the Cathedral Hill Heritage Conservation District will be conserved and some will be enhanced. Furthermore, she noted the principle view of the cathedral from Wellington Street would be preserved, thereby linking the Cathedral to the most significant street in the City. With respect to possible future minor design changes, she asked that the applicant considering retaining the graceful sweep of the front of the new building, as it acknowledges the Cathedral so well, as well as the largely blank western wall, which serves as the blank canvas against which the cathedral is the portrait from western perspectives. A copy of Ms. Maitland’s more detailed comments is held on file with the City Clerk and Solicitor’s office pursuant to the City’s Records Retention and Disposition By-law.

David Jeanes supported the proposal on two fronts, one as a member of the governing assembly of the Diocese and the other as a heritage advocate. He felt the proposal is a good response to the problems encountered with development in the area, noting that it appears that every heritage building within this particular Heritage Conservation District would still be linked a continual line along Queen Street. He advised OBHAC members to stay aware of the evolution in the district, noting that the City’s Light Rail Transit will impact the escarpment contained within the HCD as it is the proposed site for a tunnel.

The report recommendation was moved by Elizabeth Eagen and CARRIED as presented.