Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa’s Built Heritage Committee has approved extensive renovations to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion building at Lansdowne Park, including the replacement of the upper, lower and entrance roofs.
“Of particular concern is the poor condition of the roof, with significant water entry through the metal roofing panels, lack of any waterproofing membranes, and subsequently, accelerated deterioration of the wood board decking visible on the building interior,” according to the report.
Work is expected to begin in early 2025 and take about two years. The committee also approved the installation of a new heat trace system and removable panels for portable air conditioning units to make the building more comfortable for visitors. The proposed work also includes structural strengthening of the truss system and bracing, roof planking and purlins, the rehabilitation of windows, and the installation of new replica wood doors.
The Aberdeen Pavilion is located on a part of Lansdowne that is subject to a Heritage Conservation Easement Agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Heritage Trust which will require the city to submit an alteration request to the trust for any alterations before work can proceed.
At its meeting last Tuesday (July 9), the committee also approved the designation of the Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant as a property that meets the criteria for designation under the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Built in 1915, the Lemieux Island Water Purification Plant is located along the Ottawa River and is associated with the consulting engineering firm of Gore, Nasmith and Storrie which designed and built several major water treatment plants in Canada during the 1920s and 1930s.
The complex of historic industrial infrastructure sits prominently along the Ottawa River and is an excellent example of an industrial complex influenced by architectural styles popular in the early 20th century.