The proposal to grant heritage protection to a historic telephone building in Ottawa is facing opposition from the People’s Republic of China, leading the city to halt the plan. Located at 251 Besserer St., the two-storey red brick structure in the Beaux-Arts style, dating back to 1912, housed Ottawa’s second Bell telephone exchange.
In May, the council approved the designation of the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, as the property owner is the Chinese government, they raised objections which have complicated the resolution process. Consequently, the council voted to suspend the designation, following a suggestion from city staff requesting more time to address the concerns with China.
Lesley Collins, the city’s program manager for heritage planning, emphasized that the decision to delay was not based on the property’s cultural significance, which the city still upholds. Collins stated, “Staff still believe the property merits designation, but the Heritage Act imposes strict timelines that cannot be extended.”
Coun. Rawlson King, who chairs the built heritage committee, highlighted challenges in resolving negotiations before the 90-day deadline expires, citing language barriers and the necessity to engage with Chinese officials abroad and Global Affairs Canada. He mentioned the possibility of restarting the designation process in the future, clarifying that the withdrawal is a strategic move rather than a total abandonment of heritage protection.
The building currently serves as an office for China’s mission in Canada, although the specific functions were not disclosed by the embassy. China’s objection is based on the property’s diplomatic status and the requirement for its consent to any status changes, as per international law. City heritage department staff acknowledge the diplomatic status but do not agree with China’s arguments, noting over 65 diplomatic buildings with heritage designation.
Despite the acknowledgment of potential difficulties under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, Collins indicated that designating the property under the Heritage Act is not prohibited by the convention, although enforcement restrictions may apply in the future. Conversely, Kitchissippi Coun. Jeff Leiper expressed concerns about a perceived double standard for foreign governments compared to churches or private individuals opposing property designations.
Heritage Ottawa supports safeguarding the building, understanding the complications of designating a diplomatic property. Linda Hoad, the advocacy committee co-chair, commended the city staff’s approach, anticipating successful resolution of issues with the People’s Republic of China through negotiations. The Chinese Embassy declined an interview with CBC to elaborate on its stance.