Bytowne Theatre Now Heritage Building: KING

As chairman of the built heritage committee, I am pleased to share some significant news regarding our ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Ottawa’s rich and diverse history.

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This newsletter excerpt written by Rideau-Rockcliffe Councillor Rawlson King is courtesy of the city-wide community group Your Applewood Acres (And Beyond) Neighbours

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This week, the Committee approved several important designations under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act, highlighting the stories and voices of our community’s past.

These designations are crucial in protecting the historic buildings that document Ottawa’s art scene, women’s history, Islamic growth, and francophone roots, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of our City.

I am delighted to announce the designation of the iconic ByTowne Cinema at 323-327 Rideau Street. Originally known as the Nelson Theatre, this two-storey movie house built in 1947 stands as a prime example of a post-war neighbourhood cinema. Its Moderne architectural style, featuring a rounded profile, Streamline stone cornice, and smooth brick cladding, is a testament to Ottawa’s post-war cinema boom. Since 1989, the ByTowne Cinema has been a beloved venue for cult, classic, foreign, independent, and alternative films, contributing significantly to our city’s cultural landscape.

I told the committee that the cinema is “not just history, it’s living history that really has impacted our city over generations and, hopefully, generations to come with this new designation.”

The committee also moved to designate three former Bell Telephone Exchange Buildings at 251 Besserer Street, 200 First Avenue, and 43 Eccles Street. These buildings, each with their unique architectural charm – Beaux-Arts for the Rideau Exchange and Edwardian Classical for the Sherwood Exchange – have direct ties to the development of telecommunications in Ottawa. Furthermore, they represent the significant role of women in the Canadian workforce, as Bell exclusively hired women as switchboard operators by 1900. These Exchanges are intrinsically linked to the City’s growth in the early 20th century and the increasing demand for telephone services.

The committee was also proud to designate the Ottawa Mosque at 251 Northwestern Avenue, the earliest purpose-built mosque in Ottawa and among the earliest in Ontario. This two-storey, brown brick building, constructed between 1973 and 1979, features Modernist architectural influences with traditional Islamic elements such as a dome, minaret, and prayer hall. It represents the history and growth of the Ottawa Muslim Association and stands as a significant landmark in our city.

Finally, the committee designated two French Catholic churches: Église Saint-François d’Assise at 1062 Wellington Street West, and Église Saint-Joseph d’Orléans at 2757 St. Joseph Boulevard. These are landmarks in their neighbourhoods and the city, thanks to their architectural features, large scale, and prominent locations and highlight the enduring significance of French Catholicism in Ottawa’s history.

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