Committee updated on cultural significance of former railway bridge
The City’s Built Heritage Committee met this past week and received a cultural heritage evaluation of the former Canadian Pacific Railway bridge over the Rideau River, just south of the Highway 417. While the pedestrian and cycling bridge does have cultural heritage value, its significance has been negatively impacted by the bridge’s current condition and past alterations to the structure.
The Committee recommended issuing a Notice of Intention to Designate the bridge under the Ontario Heritage Act. The City will also proceed with an environmental assessment of the bridge to provide options for renewing this important pedestrian and cycling link, with findings anticipated in 2024.
The Committee approved issuing a Notice of Intention to Designate Iona Mansions on Wellington Street West, under the Ontario Heritage Act. The building is a rare example of an early 20th century mixed-use building located on a traditional commercial main street. The Tudor Revival style building was designed by one of Ottawa’s most famous architects, W.E. Noffke, and is directly associated with Donald H. McLean – a prominent local politician in early 20th century Ottawa. The building is also associated with commercial main street development and speculative real estate development associated with Ottawa’s population growth around the time of its construction.
The Committee received an update and conservation options for the Hintonburg Pumping Station. The former pumping station was decommissioned in 1924 and converted into a residence and gatehouse to serve the new water plant on Lemieux Island. Over the years, exposure to the elements has worsened the stability of the structure and it is regularly vandalized. The City intends to stabilize and restore the Hintonburg Pumping Station for public use. The conservation project will cost an estimated $2.5 million.
Items from Tuesday’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, April 26.
