File Number: D07-12-10-0220 Lansdowne Revitalization June, 9 2011 ALTERATION REQUEST FOR ABERDEEN PAVILION ONTARIO HERITAGE TRUST

EASEMENT SCREENING STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES - AS ENDORSED BY OHT AND CITY

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INTRODUCTION This document sets out the guiding principles for alterations to the Aberdeen Pavilion and its adjacent context and sight lines as described in the OHT Easement Agreement. These alterations are part of the much larger revitalization project for Lansdowne Park as a whole. For the larger project, refer to Guiding Principles for the Revitalization of Lansdowne, developed by the Lansdowne Strategic Design Review and Advisory Panel, and approved by Ottawa City Council in June 2010. This broader set of principles includes a commitment by the City of Ottawa to showcase and increase public understanding of the significant places associated with this site, namely the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Aberdeen Pavilion National Historic Site of Canada. The present document is focused on areas related specifically to the Ontario Heritage Trust easement on the Aberdeen Pavilion with some broader context directions that will inform more specific principles related to matters addressed by the Easement Agreement. It provides the framework for more detailed action items that will be developed over several years as part of the full design and development activity at Lansdowne. A number of these action items will involve follow-up reviews with the Trust as part of its approvals, to ensure compatibility with these principles and consistency with the provisions, terms and intent of the Easement Agreement. The Aberdeen Pavilion is the primary focus of a City heritage designation by-law, an Ontario Heritage Trust heritage easement agreement and the Government of Canadas national historic site designation. It is one of only 30 sites in Ontario recognized and protected by all three levels of government. The interior and exterior of the Aberdeen and the surrounding lands possess cultural heritage value and
City of Ottawa 110 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1 Ville dOttawa 110, avenue Laurier Ouest Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1

interest of local, provincial and national significance that will be conserved according to recognized conservation principles, standards and guidelines. The Parks Canada Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation Historic Places in Canada have been adopted by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the City of Ottawa. The Standards and Guidelines have been revised and updated (Second Edition) with enhanced sections on cultural landscapes and archaeological sites. These Standards and Guidelines (2010) will form the primary framework for conservation decision making at Lansdowne Park. II. CONTEXT - EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS As stated in the letter from the Trust to the City dated 17 December 2010, the easement protects the exterior and interior of the Aberdeen Pavilion, as well as certain protected lands and a series of views. The text of the easement itself states: ...the Owner and the Foundation desire to conserve the aesthetic and scenic character and condition of the Property and the present historical, architectural, aesthetic and scenic character and condition of the exterior of the Building together with the interiors of the Building described in Appendix B attached hereto and shown in heavy outline on the floor plan contained therein (all of which are hereinafter called the Heritage Elements) Appendix B describes the interior features as including the following: floor, walls, windows and window surrounds, doors and door surrounds, ventilation system, underside of the roof, and exposed steel trusses. The following is the attached floor plan

To put these interior elements in the context of the building exterior and its larger setting, reference can be made to the Statement of Significance filed with the Canadian Register of Historic Places, which lists the following as the Characterdefining Elements: Aspects of this site which contribute to its heritage character include those elements which speak to its qualities as a large-scale exhibition building of the late 19th century, namely, its light-weight and structurally innovative construction of structural steel covered with pressed metal and glass its large, uninterrupted interior volume so suitable for exhibitions its location on the site that has been used for exhibitions of various kinds for over a century its fanciful and festive architectural decorations such as the dome decorated with swags and garlands, the eclectic classical detail, the corner towers, and the curved roof with monitor windows. Some further detail is provided in the Easement Agreement with reference to specific alterations requiring approval, including the following any signs, permanent storms, screen or awnings, television aerials or other similar objects erection or removal of any building, sign, fence or other structure of any type whatsoever except event-related signage erected for temporary periods coinciding with programmed events at Lansdowne Park except for the maintenance of existing improvements, any changes in the general appearance or topography of the lands, including and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the construction of drainage ditches, transmission towers and lines, and other similar undertakings as well as the excavation, dredging or removal of loam, gravel, soil, rock or other materials the removal, destruction or cutting of trees, shrubs or other vegetation except as may be necessary for i) the prevention or treatment of disease, or ii) other good husbandry practices the planting of trees, shrubs or other vegetation which would have the effect of i) reducing the aesthetic of the Building or the Property, or ii) causing any damage to the Building any activities, actions or uses detrimental or adverse to water conservation, erosion control and soil conservation Specific permission is granted in the Easement Agreement for an Entrance-way Structure to Lansdowne Park within 60 feet of the property line along Bank Street, subject to certain conditions and reviews. The Part 1 easement lands includes an approximate 32-metre right-of-way view corridor between Bank Street and the west faade of the Aberdeen pavilion, and an approximately 16-metre wide buffer zone around the building itself. The Part 2 easement lands includes an area immediately east and south of the building and 3

identified three view corridors across the Part 2 easement lands from the property edge along the Queen Elizabeth Driveway to the Pavilion.

OHT AND CITY ENDORSED PRINCIPLES I. Holistic Approach In keeping with the local, provincial and national significance of the Aberdeen Pavilion, the building and its context and sight lines will be treated as a whole. The Aberdeen Pavilion will remain the centerpiece and focus for Lansdowne through appropriate conservation treatment, maintenance and enhancement of views to and from the building, and development of appropriate uses that provide for ongoing public access and activity. All reasonable measures will be taken to safeguard the Heritage Elements protected by the existing easement agreement from negative impacts - direct and indirect associated with the proposed development. This includes safeguarding the physical condition of the building/structure as well as determining appropriate ongoing uses that are appropriate for the heritage elements, the architectural features and the scale of the facility. The Aberdeen Pavilion is the primary visual focus of Lansdowne Park. The Pavilion architecturally dominates the landscape and surrounding lands. A range of significant views, the ample open space around the entire Pavilion and the height of the Pavilion relative to adjacent building and structures contribute to the heritage value of the Lansdowne Park. New buildings and structures at Lansdowne Park will be designed to respect the vertical dominance of the Pavilion amid its surroundings and respect the recognized views and view corridors to the Pavilion. The tallest structures will be limited to the Bank Street corridor. The introduction of new uses, built form, landscaping and other developments at Lansdowne will respect the cultural heritage values of the Aberdeen Pavilion and its context. New forms and uses will be integrated in ways that avoid the removal, demolition or loss of the cultural heritage elements. 2. Aberdeen Pavilion Interior The interior of the Aberdeen Pavilion will be preserved as is. The current open space and its tangible features identified in the Easement Agreement the floor, walls, windows and window surrounds, doors and door surrounds, ventilation system, underside of the roof, and exposed steel trusses will be preserved in accordance with Standards 1 through 9 of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. In accordance with Standard 5, the use of the Aberdeen Pavilion will ensure ongoing protection of its character-defining elements. It will continue to function as a large, clear-span, tent-like space within the urban park, an open and uninterrupted venue for events that do not require a fully conditioned space or permanent subdivisions.

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Aberdeen Pavilion Exterior The exterior of the Aberdeen Pavilion will be preserved as is. The current characterdefining elements - its pressed metal and glass exterior, and its fanciful and festive architectural decorations such as the dome decorated with swags and garlands, the eclectic classical detail, the corner towers, and the curved roof with monitor windows will be preserved in accordance with Standards 1 through 9 of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Aberdeen Pavilion Perimeter Buffer Zone In order to better appreciate and protect the heritage value and physical integrity of the Aberdeen Pavilion, a buffer zone - not less than the perimeter lands proscribed in the easement - will be established around the perimeter of the Pavilion. There will be no excavation, related to parking or other construction, within this zone in order to safeguard the foundation and structure of the Pavilion. Reduction in surface parking adjacent to the Aberdeen Pavilion will be provided to enhance views and reduce physical impact on the building. A minimum setback for a parking-free zone will be maintained around the perimeter of the Pavilion. In the redesign of drainage systems for the entire Lansdowne Park property, the drainage around and under the Aberdeen Pavilion will be maintained or improved, and no drainage alterations will be allowed that might undermine the structural integrity of the building.

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Archaeology Archaeological resources located at Lansdowne Park that are associated with the development of the Park, the Rideau Canal and Aboriginal heritage are significant to understanding the site and possess intrinsic heritage value. Lansdowne Park has a diverse history and archaeological record that will help inform an interpretative strategy and the landscape design for the site. Archeological resources will be thoroughly researched and investigated and where possible, will be preserved or interpreted in situ. Topography The landscape west of the Aberdeen Pavilion has been significantly altered by tunnels and landfill. Modification of the existing grade to one that is more gradual, consistent and more closely emulates the simplicity of the historic grade will greatly enhance the appreciation, character and integrity, drainage and physical conservation of the Aberdeen Pavilion. View Corridors and Public Realm The key views of the Aberdeen Pavilion set out in the OHT Easement Agreement from the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and from Bank Street are recognized as heritage features and contribute to the appreciation and context of the heritage buildings and landscape of the property. . The quality and experience of significant static and dynamic views of the Aberdeen Pavilion from within Lansdowne Park and from 6

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outside the Park will be preserved and enhanced in accordance with key principles related to new development, other views and public realm design as described below. New buildings and structures extending into or located within the protected Bank Street View Corridor may be considered only if these views are preserved or enhanced and/or the quality and experience of the public realm is enhanced in the context of the view corridor. Any new buildings extending into or in proximity to the Bank Street View Corridor will reflect the pavilion-style character of the historic landscape in scale, proportion, and form and contribute to defining the public realm experience around and between these buildings. To augment the view protections provided for in the Easement Agreement and assist in appreciation of the context of the Pavilion in a revitalized Lansdowne, the placement of buildings and landscape features will define and frame other views and view sequences of the pavilion with views and view corridors from the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and the Rideau Canal being more extensive and more varied than those in the Easement Agreement. These will be enhanced through an integrated design and development process. A high quality and dynamic public realm environment focused on place-making will enhance the site as a people place providing a variety of unique and distinct public realm experiences. These will be defined by buildings and landscape elements will be provided in a way that will support, frame and enhance the quality of all views to the Pavilion from outside and from within the site. Plantings, canopies, ground covers, light standards and other street furniture will be designed to reinforce a pedestrian-focused and visually compatible enhanced public environment. 8. Park Setting Lansdowne Park has been a public open space for more than 150 years. Historically it has been a picturesque landscape with a series of independent pavilions in a large green space. The environment has deteriorated considerably in character and aesthetic quality in the late 20th century. The current asphalt ground cover that extends across Lansdowne detracts from the scenic and aesthetic value, heritage character, and potential use as a public park. The condition of the landscape at Lansdowne Park surrounding the Aberdeen Pavilion will be better integrated with the historic buildings and enhanced through planting and general greening of the landscape around the Aberdeen Pavilion and throughout Lansdowne Park. A basic tenet of the revitalization will be the elimination of surface parking and transformation of the site into a dynamic public realm, a pedestrian focused site that will comprise two distinct and unique areas seamlessly integrated around the Aberdeen Pavilion. The two distinct areas will comprise: (1) a soft landscaped picturesque environment with unique and distinct public realm experiences provided within a green urban park area that is integrated with the Canal corridor; and

(2) an urban public realm area within the mixed use area that is integrated with the fabric of the adjacent community and reflects the historical pattern of pavilion style buildings within the interior of the site. The pavilion will be the focus for both of these public realm focus areas. The landscaped areas in the urban park, including both hard and soft landscaped areas will define distinct public realm areas (the south porch, the great lawn, the eastern court, the heirloom orchard, demonstration gardens, and Aberdeen Square to the north) and will be designed and integrated to take advantage of the scenic and aesthetic character of the Canal Corridor and the prominence of the Aberdeen Pavilion within the site, and to reinforce its heritage character and aesthetic and visual relationship with the Canal Corridor. Within the urban mixed use area, the public realm will comprise predominately hard landscaping with strategically placed soft landscaping to define a variety of courts, plazas and corridors designed as pedestrian priority spaces and defined by buildings and active at-grade uses. The Bank Street view corridor will be established as a distinct multi-purpose public realm feature leading into the site from Bank Street to the Pavilion. The hard and soft landscape designs, materials and finishes within both the urban mixed use area and urban park will reflect the primacy of pedestrian circulation within Lansdowne Park and will establish a high-quality, multi-purpose, urban public realm consistent with the qualities of the Pavilion to provide a diversity of public realm experiences. 9. Horticulture Building The Horticulture Building is a unique heritage property, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, and possessing cultural heritage value and interest. Should the Horticulture Building be relocated it will be moved as a single structure and in its entirely, fully conserved in its new location and programmed with a new viable use. Moreover, it will be sited to provide a mirror image relationship with the Aberdeen Pavilion in order to emulate the current relationship between the two heritage buildings. All technical and conservation measures will be taken to safeguard the building in any such relocation and to secure legal protection for the building in its new location. Interpretive / Arts Strategy An interpretive/ arts strategy that draws from the history of Lansdowne as a significant place that contributed to the definition of the City of Ottawa and the region will provide for a variety of interpretive experiences throughout the revitalized Lansdowne that supports place making and defining Ottawas civic role. All elements of the Lansdowne revitalization including place based public art will recognize the opportunities for interpreting Lansdowne as an integral, historic public place along the Canal/QED corridor and assist in positioning Lansdowne to continue its historic role in defining the City for today and into the future.

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11. Public Access The grounds and parkland, as well as the urban mixed use and stadium will be accessible to the public providing a strong public realm and pedestrian orientation reminiscent of the historical accessibility and public realm experience that the site provided to users as an important gathering place for exhibitions, multiple events and exhibition midways. The Aberdeen Pavilion will form part of this public realm experience through unique uses that provide for ongoing public access and activity. It will be publically, physically and visually accessible. It will have a synergistic relationship to the overall programming of the revitalized Lansdowne, and to the ongoing development of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and Rideau Canal corridors.