The Chinese government’s objection has halted the heritage protection process for a historic telephone building in Ottawa. The building, located at 251 Besserer St., is a two-storey Beaux-Arts style red brick structure dating back to 1912, housing the second Bell telephone exchange in Ottawa.
In May, the Ottawa City Council voted to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, as the property owner is the Chinese government, they raised concerns, leading to the council withdrawing the designation intention on Wednesday. City staff recommended more time to address China’s objections.
Lesley Collins, the city’s heritage planning program manager, emphasized that the decision to withdraw was not based on the property’s cultural significance, which the city still recognizes. She highlighted the strict timelines of the Heritage Act that couldn’t be extended.
Coun. Rawlson King, chair of the built heritage committee, explained that negotiations with China involving language considerations and coordination with officials need more time beyond the impending 90-day deadline.
Despite China claiming diplomatic status for the building, city heritage department staff disagreed with their arguments, citing over 65 diplomatic buildings with heritage designations. Collins acknowledged potential challenges under the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Coun. Jeff Leiper expressed concerns about a potential double standard for foreign governments, given the city’s usual designation procedures over objections from other entities. Heritage Ottawa supports protecting the building, understanding the complexities of designating a diplomatic property.
The Chinese Embassy did not provide an interview to CBC to clarify its stance on the matter. The city remains open to negotiations to address China’s concerns and potentially restart the designation process in the future.