China is opposing efforts to grant heritage protection to a historic telephone building in Ottawa, leading the city to pause the plan. The building at 251 Besserer St. is a two-story red brick structure built in the Beaux-Arts style in 1912, housing the second Bell telephone exchange in Ottawa.
In May, the council voted to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. However, the property owner, which is the Chinese government, raised objections. Addressing these concerns has proven to be challenging.
In response, the council decided to retract its intention to designate the property after a recommendation from city staff. They are seeking additional time to address the issues with China. Lesley Collins, the city’s heritage planning program manager, emphasized that the decision is not based on the property’s cultural significance, which the city still upholds.
Councilor Rawlson King, who leads the built heritage committee, explained that negotiations cannot be concluded before a 90-day deadline ending on Thursday. The process involves linguistic challenges and coordination with Chinese officials abroad and Global Affairs Canada. The committee plans to restart the designation process at a later stage.
King clarified that the withdrawal is a strategic move and not a relinquishment of heritage protection. The building currently functions as an office for China’s mission in Canada, although the embassy did not specify its exact use. China argues that the property holds diplomatic status, and international law mandates its consent for any changes in status.
While city heritage department staff acknowledge the diplomatic status of the building, they do not agree with China’s stance. They highlight in a report that over 65 diplomatic buildings have heritage designation, pointing out a potential conflict with the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.
Kitchissippi Councilor Jeff Leiper dissented from the withdrawal decision, expressing concerns about potential double standards for foreign governments. He noted that the city often designates properties despite objections from churches and individuals without granting additional time.
Heritage Ottawa backs the protection of the building but understands the complexities of designating a diplomatic property. Advocacy committee co-chair Linda Hoad commended the staff’s approach, suggesting that by lifting the intention to designate, negotiations can continue to address China’s concerns.
The Chinese Embassy declined to provide an interview to CBC to clarify its position.
