ByWard Market, Lowertown West heritage plans updated after more than 30 years

Many tourists find themselves in the nation’s capital for the iconic ByWard Market or sightseeing around the Lowertown West area along the river.

Both areas hold much of the city’s earliest memories. In 1991 and 1994 the ByWard Market and Lowertown West areas were recognized for the historical buildings and landscape as council vowed to leave the two neighbourhoods be.

Now more than 30 years later, the Built Heritage Committee updated these plans to preserve the heritage while also adapting to the changing city.

The original ByWard Market Heritage Conservation District (HCD) included about 145 properties and the Lowertown West one included about 560 properties.

“Given the variety of buildings and structures within the boundaries of the HCDs, the plans provide some specific direction according to building type and how a property contributes to the cultural heritage value,” staff wrote.

For the ByWard Market, the plan update says that the area should remain “generally” low-rise.

Lowertown West, the plan is a bit more lenient when it comes to height restrictions, stating the mix of building types will allow more lower-mid-rise and mid-rise structures in some locations where impacts can be mitigated.

“Both plans place a particular focus on ensuring the conservation of the spires of the former St. Brigid’s Church and Notre Dame Basilica,” staff note.

Due to more institutional buildings, Lowertown West’s plan also recognizes updated accessible features should be found without compromising cultural heritage.

The plans both acknowledge how tied the two HCDs are, saying the connection to the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River is deeply entrenched in the city’s history.

“This location is linked with key events and themes in its history of Ottawa including the fur and timber trade, establishment of connections with Indigenous Peoples, the presence of French and English cultures and subsequent immigration of many different communities to Ottawa,” the plan reads.

Council will need to ratify the plans and the next meeting.

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