Somerset House repairs going ahead at building owners’ expense

Ottawa city council has approved a motion ordering City of Ottawa staff to repair the historic Somerset House building.

The heritage building, located at 352 Somerset Street at Bank Street, has been an eyesore in the downtown core since its partial collapse in 2007.

The motion, which was brought forward by Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney during a meeting of Ottawa city council on Wednesday, May 11, passed unanimously.

It gives City of Ottawa staff the authority to undertake the necessary work to stabilize and secure the building and its heritage attributes, and to recover the repair costs from the owner of the Centretown building, who has been in a legal battle with the City of Ottawa for years.

Next, City of Ottawa staff will provide an update on the status of the building to the built heritage subcommittee on June 20, 2022.
 

Thanks to colleagues for your support for my motion, seconded @rawlsonking to give City staff authority to undertake necessary works to stabilize and secure Somerset House and its heritage attributes, with the costs being recovered from the property owner. #OttNews pic.twitter.com/NJ69HX4woF

— Catherine McKenney

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