In Ottawa, the People’s Republic of China has raised objections to the heritage protection proposal for a historic telephone building on 251 Besserer St., leading the city to pause the plan. The red brick Beaux-Arts style two-storey building, constructed in 1912 and once housing the second Bell telephone exchange in Ottawa, was set for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act by the city council in May. However, as the property owner is the Chinese government, they had the opportunity to voice their concerns, causing complications in the resolution process.
In response to China’s objections, the council decided on Wednesday to retract the intention to designate the property, following a recommendation from city staff. The staff cited the necessity for additional time to address the issues with China. Lesley Collins, the city’s program manager for heritage planning, emphasized that the decision was not related to the property’s cultural heritage significance, which the city still upholds.
Councilor Rawlson King, chair of the built heritage committee, explained that negotiations faced obstacles, including language barriers and the need to engage with Chinese officials abroad and Global Affairs Canada, making it unlikely to reach a resolution before the 90-day deadline expires.
Although the building is utilized as an office for China’s mission in Canada, the specifics of its use were not disclosed by the embassy. China contends that the property holds diplomatic status, requiring their consent for any alteration in status under international law. While the city’s heritage department acknowledges the diplomatic status, they do not agree with China’s rationale. The report highlights over 65 diplomatic buildings with heritage designation, indicating a possible double standard.
Heritage Ottawa expressed support for safeguarding the building, understanding the complexities of designating a diplomatic property. The organization’s advocacy committee co-chair, Linda Hoad, commended the city staff’s approach of suspending the designation intention to continue negotiations with China. The Chinese Embassy declined to provide a statement to CBC outlining its stance on the matter.
