Yesterday the Built Heritage Sub-Committee voted against the application to permit the demolition of the Ugandan High Commission at 231 Cobourg Street where Lester B Pearson lived for a period of time. Pearson who received the Nobel Peace Price in 1957 resided at this address from 1955 to 1958. Ultimately the property is part of Prime Minister’s Row.
The High Commissioner to Uganda is furious! She says this will not enhance bilateral relations between Uganda and Canada. I don’t really don’t understand that another country can decide what should be preserved and what should be demolished. I’m pretty sure this behaviour from us in other countries would not be acceptable.
They have occupied the building since 1984, and since then have either not maintained the building or poorly maintained it. They blame the soil for the deterioration of the building. Barry Padolsky and Sandy Smallwood point out that yes there are soil issues in Sandy Hill but it does not result in the need to demolish the property if it is maintained. And so the demolition proposed was not one caused by the soil but by neglect.
They need more space fine, that does not mean allow for the demolition by neglect!
Should you wish to listen to the audio from the Built Heritage Sub-Committee meeting you can here.
