Committee approves new construction in New Edinburgh

The Built Heritage Committee today approved an application for new construction at 35 MacKay Street in the New Edinburgh Heritage Conservation District. The applicant plans to build a new detached dwelling on vacant lands behind the existing two-and-a-half storey stone house, known as the Allen House. The new dwelling would also be two and a half storeys and would be clad in light-coloured brick, consistent with cladding materials in the area. While mostly compatible with nearby properties, the applicant has proposed an integrated garage, which is not consistent with the heritage character of New Edinburgh. A stand-alone garage is not feasible, due to lot size, and staff consider the project conserves the overall cultural heritage value of the property. The Planning and Housing Committee will consider this matter along with an associated minor zoning amendment on Wednesday, February 19. The Committee recommended designating 1121 Wellington Street West as a heritage property, noting that it meets five of nine criteria for designation. This two-storey stone and red-brick mixed-use commercial building is a unique example of a tollkeeper’s residence on the former Richmond toll road. It is directly associated with the historical development of Ottawa, particularly its road and transportation networks, and was a tollkeeper’s residence for the Bytown and Nepean Road Company, one of three major road routes in Ottawa at that time. The property is also associated with Dr. Israel G. Smith, the first doctor to practice within the newly incorporated Village of Hintonburg. Smith was the village’s first Medical Officer of Health, who operated a practice from the site between 1896 and 1907. It is located within a cluster of other historic village buildings, including the Iona Mansions, Magee House and the Rosemount Library. The Committee also recommended designating the Erskine Presbyterian Church at 343 Bronson Avenue under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. Now the Peace Tower Church, the building meets seven of nine criteria for designation. Constructed in phases between 1901 and 1906, it was the third church for the Erskine Presbyterian congregation, which emerged as one of the original Presbyterian congregations in Ottawa. The Gothic-Revival-style church is directly associated with the growth of Ottawa’s early Presbyterian community and this area of Centretown, which experienced an early wave of development in the late 19th century. The church reflects the work of John Pritchard MacLaren, one of Ottawa’s best known 19th century architects, known for his designs of Gothic Revival churches in Ottawa and eastern Ontario. Items from today’s meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, February 26. For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram. Related topics

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