City set to remove over 70 properties from the municipal heritage register

The Built Heritage Committee agreed on Monday to remove another 73 properties from the city’s municipal heritage register. 

According to a media release, they are planning to take most of the 4,600 non-designated properties off the register in this second of three planned removals.

The report approved on Monday recommends striking listed properties off of it within wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. City officials say that once removed, these properties can be put back on at any time over the next two years.

Listed properties can’t be demolished by law because they’re deemed to have cultural heritage value to the city. These latest properties are being removed to ensure Ottawa’s register complies with the Ontario Heritage Act which was changed by Bill 23. 

The way the bill was structured, heritage buildings have to be registered by Jan. 1, 2025. Any buildings not registered by that time can’t be relisted for another five years.

City officials say taking most of the properties off the registry in advance will provide the city with more flexibility to protect these properties in the coming years.

The final decision will be made at the city council meeting on April 3.