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Home , Hintonburg, Old Ottawa South, Ottawa, Rockcliffe Park

Dedicated to Preserving Our Built Heritage Spring 2011 Volume 38, No. 1

Designation Endorsed for Factory in By Linda Hoad One of the few reminders of Hintonburg’s industrial under way. The company will be manufacturing wire past, the Capital Wire Cloth Factory at 7 Hinton cloth products within a couple of months. The Avenue, has recently received the Built demand for this class of goods, which is used largely Heritage Advisory Committee’s (OBHAC) endorsement by paper mills, is heavy and the company already for designation under Part IV of the Heritage has orders on hand for several month’s work.” , of Ottawa Act. Built in phases between 1912 and 1948, only From this small beginning, the company the oldest sections, facing Armstrong Avenue and expanded to fill the entire block bounded by Hamilton Avenue, are to be designated. Armstrong, Hinton, Spencer and Hamilton. Plants When the of Hintonburg was annexed were built or acquired in Perth, Ontario, New to the in 1907, one of the reasons Westminster, B.C. (1957) and Australia (1962). 2 given in favour of annexation was the presence of Wire cloth, called ‘foudrinal wire’ from its large tracts of undeveloped land near railway lines inventors, the Foudrinaire Brothers of France, was – offering cheap land to attract industry. Some of used in the manufacture of paper from pulp. The this land was located along the present O-Train tracks; cloth, really a fine-gauge metal screen, was dipped Photo: Lesley Collins, Heritage Planner the other tract was located between Parkdale and through the pulp mixture to strain the solids from Holland Avenues near the tracks that are now the liquids. The extensive paper making industries occupied by the . at the Chaudière were ready markets for The first Capital Wire Cloth this product. The wire cloth was Factory building was woven on very heavy looms constructed in 1912 and set onto the concrete floor occupied about one in the main section of third of the present the factory. Finishing frontage along of the cloth, which Armstrong Avenue involved stretching as shown on the it on large tables, was Fire Insurance Plan carried out on much of that year. 1 lighter equipment The Financial Post located on the of reported on second floor. August 17, 1912 that “a The Capital Wire site has been purchased Cloth Factory was joined in and work on the plant is well 1914 by the Beach Foundry

1 Endorsed for Designation... architecture, its historical associations with the pulp heritage designation and paper industry, and its contextual significance From the President…. which it had initially (manufacturer of stoves, refrigerators and heating as a unique example of the industrial history of this By the time you read this, the approved for a building systems), which eventually covered the blocks to 4 neighbourhood.” Conservation Review Board (CRB) that it owns and for the north now occupied by the Holland Cross office The earliest sections of the building along hearing of Heritage Ottawa’s which it is responsible to and residential complex. Several more recent factory Armstrong Street and Hamilton Avenue display objection to the city’s decision to preserve under the buildings still occupy the west side of Parkdale typical elements of early 20th Century industrial repeal the heritage designation conditions of the Ontario Avenue, and much of the block between Heritage Act. The main

architecture: masonry construction, gable roofline by-law for the Horticulture ew Elliott Armstrong, Hamilton, Spencer and Parkdale. with a pitched standing seam metal roof, and a Building at will reason for repealing the The Capital Wire Cloth factory employed about regular pattern of shallow arched windows. have been completed. As I write this in mid-April, heritage designation is to

200 workers in 1964 3 but changes in the industry, permit the building’s Photo: Andr This building was constructed with material new our team is preparing our case to present to the particularly the use of plastic mesh, led to a decline relocation (at a cost of up in Ottawa, a silica-lime brick which was more cost CRB at hearings scheduled for Ben Franklin Place Original prairie style designs in business. Capital Wire Cloth Company ceased th st to $5 million to the taxpay- efficient than typical brick. Unfortunately, while on April 18 through 21 . We expect to receive embellish some of the windows of production at the Hinton Avenue plant in July 1974. ers of Ottawa) so that the the Horticulture Building. relatively fire retardant, this brick was much softer the board’s decision by the end of May. The building was considered as a possible location property can be developed than clay-based brick, causing the building to Heritage designation normally protects a for an indoor farmers’ market or a cultural centre in for commercial purposes as part of the Lansdowne weather much faster than was expected. It seems that property from demolition or relocation as well as the early 1980s. In 1983 the factory was sold to Partnership Plan. the building was painted fairly early in its history as a from renovation or additions that are not consistent Metcalfe Realty Company Limited and completely measure to prevent the further decay of the brick. 5 with the statement of designation. ’s According to provincial, national and international renovated by Barry Padolsky, one of Ottawa’s role is to safeguard these properties by enforcing standards and guidelines for the conservation of leading heritage architects. The building now The Hintonburg Community Association has appropriate by-laws and regulations relating to heritage properties, relocation of a heritage building is contains a wide range of uses, from light industrial had the Capital Wire Cloth Factory on its heritage their proper care. only considered as a last resort for preserving a to offices and provides a visible and valuable link walking tour since 1991. We are proud to point out building in the rare case when it is in physical to Hintonburg’s past. The Hinton Animation Studio the successful adaptive re-use of this reminder of In November 2010, the outgoing city council danger from causes such as erosion or other produced The Racoons cartoon series in this building. our industrial past and commend the owners for passed a motion that seemed to be contrary to environmental damage. This is not the case with Other tenants include or have included Vogue Bra, their careful stewardship. their responsibility for safeguarding our built the Horticulture Building. How can the city expect Artech Studios (developer of interactive entertain- Linda Hoad is a member of Heritage Ottawa’s Board of heritage. Council voted to repeal the heritage other property owners to abide by the terms and ment for international markets) and Fuel Industries Directors and a Heritage Keeper for Hintonburg designation by-law for the Horticulture Building conditions of a heritage designation when our own (experts in the fields of animation, design, film and 1 Library and Archives Canada. Insurance plan of the city of Ottawa, at Lansdowne Park, a Francis C. Sullivan designed city council appears to ignore them? video production, sound design, music and online Ontario, Volume II, December 1902,w revised , sheet 133. permanent exhibition hall built in 1914. It was 2 In 1992, as a rookie city councillor, our current programming). Financial Post, May 12, 1962, p. 30 initially designated as “one of Canada’s earliest 3 , November 26, 1964, p. 17 expressions of modernism, it significantly , Jim Watson, and another new councillor, The report presented to OBHAC indicates that 4 Report to Ottawa Built Heritage Advisory Committee and Planning contributes to Peter Hume, were instrumental in saving the “the cultural heritage value of the Capital Wire Committee and Council, 24 February 2011: http://www.ottawa.ca/ the history of from demolition, also on an Cloth Company factory lies in its design value as calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/a-lacac/2011/03-03/ACS2011-ICS- order by a previous council. I had an occasion to PGM-0075-7%20Hinton.htm an example of early 20th century industrial 5 Ibid. architecture.” speak to Mayor Watson about this a few weeks ago (City of Ottawa when I urged him to use his influence to preserve Designation By-law the Horticulture Building in its current location. David B. Flemming Directors: 8-94, Schedule B). Our position before the Conservation Review President Richard Belliveau, Ken F. Clavette, The decision Board is clear and it is consistent with our position David Jeanes Ken Elder, Ian Ferguson, over the past two years. (See the previous four Vice-President Linda Hoad, Leslie Maitland, to repeal was issues of our Newsletter for our presentations on this Brigid Phillips Janssen Veronica Vaillancourt one of many Heritage Ottawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to Vice-President Programs matter.) We are not opposed to the development of the preservation of Ottawa’s built heritage. made by the out- Willam R. Price going council Lansdowne Park but we believe that the city Heritage Ottawa Veronica Vaillancourt Secretary ew Elliott relating to the should make the retention in situ of both the Editor 2 Daly Avenue David Ivison development of Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building a Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2 Treasurer Jan Soetermans Heritage Ottawa acknowledges the Lansdowne Park condition of any redevelopment plan for Graphic Designer Tel: 613-230-8841 Carolyn Quinn financial support of the City of Photo: Andr Lansdowne Park. Fax: 613-564-4428 but is unique in Tina & Company Past-President Ottawa and the Ontario Ministry Email: [email protected] Printing Rodger John Lewis Brennan of Culture This photo visually depicts the Horticulture that it involves Repealing the heritage by-law puts the Web: www.heritageottawa.org Legal Consultant building’s ‘meaning of place’. One can clearly see a municipality Horticulture Building at risk because the city could its proximity to the Aberdeen Pavillion. repealing a choose to demolish the building if it finds that it

2 3 cannot afford the cost of its relocation. Moving a the building in situ a precondition of the building of this size is fraught with danger that Lansdowne Partnership Plan. Architectural Conservation Awards 2011 could result in the destruction of all or part of this It is for these reasons that Heritage Ottawa heritage building. decided to formally object under the Ontario The annual Ottawa Architectural Conservation Certificate of Merit – Infill/Restoration The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group’s Heritage Act to the repeal of the heritage designa- Awards recognize excellence in the preservation 332 Fairmont Avenue Lansdowne Live proposal was presented to the city tion by-law. It is unfortunate that we have to take of the City’s architectural heritage. Submissions Ward 15 – Kitchissippi for its consideration in October 2008. The initial such action; it seems that we cannot depend on our were received in the following categories: This project plan recommended the demolition of the city council to abide by its responsibilities under Restoration (returning a heritage resource to involved the Horticulture Building. Over the past two and a half the Act. its original form, material and integrity); complete years, the city seemed intent on either demolishing renovation and the building in whole or in part, or relocating it. Adaptive Use (modification of a heritage David B. Flemming President partial restoration At no time did the city make the preservation of resource to contemporary functional standards of a large brick while retaining its heritage character); and house in Infill (an addition to an historic building, or Ottawa’s all-new construction within an historic context). Hintonburg neighbourhood. Bronze plaques are mounted on Award of The house had MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Excellence-winning projects, and major contributors fallen into to each project receive framed certificates. Certificates complete Heritage Ottawa 2011 Annual General Meeting of Merit are presented to projects and contributors disrepair and been abandoned for 20 years. The new owners completely Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Historic Ottawa Club deserving recognition in the three categories. gutted the interior of the house and modernized it while restoring the exterior to its early 20th century appearance. The large two storey porch, a central feature of the house, By the time you see this newsletter, plan for heritage-sensitive Certificate of Merit – Infill was restored, the masonry was repointed, and new you should have received your redevelopment of the Victoria and windows were custom-built to match the originals. personal invitation to attend Chaudière Islands District has Irish Ambassador’s The new owners also demolished a dilapidated porch the 2011 Annual General formed the basis of the National Residence, at the side of the house and built a new two storey Meeting of Heritage Ottawa. Capital Commission’s (NCC) 291 Park Road – addition on the same footprint. This project provided The meeting will be held in vision plan for this area. His Ward 13 – new life for an abandoned building including a illiam Price the historic Ottawa Curling talk is titled “Vision Chaudière: Rideau Rockcliffe sensitive new addition that is very compatible with the existing house. Club at 440 O’Connor Street at The Cultural Heritage of H2O”.

Photo: W This project consisted of Contributors: Catherine (opposite the west Mark’s professional involvement the rehabilitation of, and Nicholas Heins, Westboro Homes side of the YMCA). The building with Ottawa’s heritage waterfront additions to, the existing circa 1942 stone house at 291 Mark Glassford Architect was constructed in 1916 and the club extends back almost twenty years and Park Road, the Irish Ambassador’s residence. The build- Lorie Derraugh Homestyle Consulting ing originally had a symmetrical façade but alterations itself has a history going back to the time of provides him with a unique perspective on the Innovative Electric over time changed its appearance and balance. This pro- Confederation. Members and guests will be able incredible potential of this site and the immense Core Energy Technologies Inc. to wander about and admire the largely original risks of further delays in conservation and wise ject involved the removal of two existing additions to the interior and the many historic photographs on redevelopment. Mark will seek to stimulate and house, the construction of two new wings and the rehabil- itation of the building. The goal of the project was to pro- Award of Excellence – Infill the walls and extensive collection of trophies. challenge Heritage Ottawa and its members to vide a property that was appropriate to the needs of the think how they can exert their influence in the Maison Accueil Sagesse – We will have a cash bar available from 6:30 to Embassy and respectful of the existing historic building. 434 Road community and with political leadership in The landscape qualities of the large lot were enhanced. 7:00 PM in advance of the meeting. The AGM Ward 13 – Rideau Rockcliffe will commence at 7:00 PM and should conclude various jurisdictions so as to create the This project was well conceived, provided a clear by 7:45 PM and will be followed by our special momentum needed to properly preserve and differentiation of new from old and was successful in This project involved the construction of a new west wing maintaining the relationship between the building and AGM lecture. redevelop this local and national heritage treasure. at the Maison Accueil Sagesse. The design of the new the landscape that is typical of . addition is sensitive to the historic portion of the building, Our guest speaker for the evening will be Following the lecture, complimentary wine built in the early 20th century. The new addition is and other beverages plus light snacks will be Contributors: respected architect, urbanist and conservation Embassy of Ireland, Ottawa contemporary but makes reference to the existing building consultant, Mark Brandt of Mark T. Brandt, available to members and guests in the viewing Nicholas Caragianis Architect Inc. through the use of similar massing and red brick. Small Architect and Associates, Ottawa. His master area overlooking the rink surface. M.P. Lundy Construction Limited details such as the inverted dormer windows and the J.G. Cooke and Associates Limited contemporary glass balconies are modern yet sympathetic D.B. Gray Engineering Limited in scale and pattern to the historic building. The interior

4 5 of the building has been finished to be accessible and a manner that complements the historic fire hall. equipped for the aging residents in a manner that conveys The new addition fits seamlessly into the existing a comfortable residential impression, rather than an neighbourhood and the interior space is simple but institutional one. aesthetically appealing. Contributors: Contributors: Filles de la Sagesse du Canada Anthony Leaning, CSV Architects Bryden Martel Architects Incorporated Halsall Associates Limited Revel in the architecture. Halsall Associates Limited McKee Engineering Goodkey, Weedmark & Associates Limited GR Construction Soak up the heritage. Paul Daoust Construction Canada Limited Turnbull Design Award of Excellence – Restoration Award of Excellence – On June 4 and 5, some of the finest buildings in the nation’s capital 120 Boteler Street – Ward 12 Adaptive Use and Infill will once again open their doors free of charge to the public. Rideau Vanier th This project involved the Celebrating its 10 anniversary, Doors Open Ottawa has become restoration of the Bingham one of Ottawa’s favourite rites of spring. This year, over 100 House, located in the Lowertown West Heritage buildings, all of them historically, architecturally or functionally Conservation District. The house was built in 1898 by significant promise John Bingham and was in the Bingham family until 2007. to pique the curiosity Upon purchasing the house, the new owners undertook an of young and old extensive project that included restoration of exterior elements including the original alike. porch, wood panels above the windows, and the front door. New windows were custom-built to match the École Sacre Coeur – 19 Melrose Avenue Royal College of Physicians originals. Inside the house, the original hardwood floors Ward 15 – Kitchissippi were uncovered and refinished, the handrail and newel and Surgeons of were and refinished. Existing wooden This project involved the conversion of the designated 774 Echo Dr. baseboards, mouldings and trim were retained where École Sacre Coeur, designed by architect Francis Sullivan, Open Saturday June 4, possible and replicated where missing. The overall result is to loft condominiums and the construction of an eight 10 a.m – 4 p.m. a meticulous restoration by dedicated owners that remains unit stacked townhouse on the site. The former school true to the history of the house. was restored on the exterior with new windows built to Sunday CLOSED match the originals, a restored Spanish tile canopy over

Contributors: Photo: Roger Lalonde, City of Ottawa the front entrance and restored front doors. Exterior Peter Thomas Gaby Restorations alterations included balconies and some new window Nik Semanyk, Urban Keios openings. The interior layout of the building is creatively Donna Kearns Interiors designed to make use of the existing window openings, particularly the large windows in the stairwells. The new Award of Excellence – Infill stacked townhouse was designed in red brick and in a Community Centre – scale appropriate for the site. This project is an excellent Donations to the Cullingham Fund or for 260 Sunnyside Avenue example of the adaptive use of a historic building and the general work of Heritage Ottawa are sensitive infill in an historic context. Ward 17 – Capital Remember..... eligible for an official receipt for income Contributors: tax purposes. Donations received or This project involved an addition and renovation to the The Regional Group Heritage Ottawa 2011 Annual postmarked by 31 December will be Ottawa South Community Centre, housed in the Old Douglas Hardie, Douglas Hardie Architects General Meeting Fire Hall on Sunnyside Avenue, a designated heritage James B. Lennox & Associates Inc. receipted for the 2011 tax year. building. The purpose of the project was to improve the John Riddell, Novatech Engineering Thursday, May 19, 2011 Heritage Ottawa is a registered charity use of the community centre through the construction Adina Apostu, Designer at the (registration number 89309 6776 RR001). of an enlarged community hall and a new multi-purpose Historic room in the basement. The addition was designed in Text and photos courtesy of the City of Ottawa

6 7 Walking Tours 2011

Heritage Ottawa announces its program of walking August 21 Architecture and Engineering along tours for the summer and fall of 2011. We shall the Rideau host 13 walks with local experts as guides. See the Guide: David Jeanes brochure or contact the Heritage Ottawa website for details and information on meeting points. September 4 Hill Guide: Fern Mackenzie June 12 Central Experimental Farm Guide: Julie Harris September 11 Guides: Katherine Arkay and June 19 Janet Uren Guide: John McLeod September 18 Chaudière Industrial District June 26 Guide: Mark Brandt Guide: Leo Doyle September 25 Sandy Hill East July 10 Lowertown East (a new walk) Guide: Judy Deegan Guide: David Jeanes October 2 Rockcliffe Park July 31 Lowertown West Guide: Martha Edmond Guide: Hagit Hadaya October 16 Hintonburg August 14 Ruisseau de la Brasserie, Guides: Linda Hoad and (Hull) (this tour will be conducted in French) Paulette Dozois Guide: Michel Prévost

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