Latest news with #RawlsonKing
CBC
31-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Rockcliffe Park designated national historic district
The federal government has recognized Ottawa's Rockcliffe Park neighbourhood as a historic district. Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Rawlson King speaks about the area's significance.
Ottawa Citizen
13-05-2025
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
ByTowne Cinema, Ottawa Mosque heritage designations given committee approval
Article content The ByTowne Cinema was recognized as a 'special place' with a rich, living history in the community as the legendary Rideau Street repertory theatre moved one step closer to a heritage designation, along with several other historic and culturally significant Ottawa properties. Article content Article content Members of the city's built heritage committee shared personal anecdotes and warm memories of the theatre (and its famous popcorn) as the committee carried a staff recommendation on May 13 to designate the building under the Ontario Heritage Act. Article content Article content 'It's not just history, it's living history that really has impacted our city over generations and, hopefully, generations to come with this new designation,' committee chair Coun. Rawlson King said. Article content Article content Constructed as the Nelson Theatre at 325 Rideau St. in 1947 and re-opened as the ByTowne Cinema in 1988, the 650-seat single-screen theatre has since served as an independent repertory theatre screening art-house, foreign, indie, alternative and cult films daily. Article content ByTowne owner Daniel Demois applauded the designation and said the pending heritage status would assist in obtaining grants for any repairs or reconstruction needed to preserve the building's historical features. The designation would specifically preserve the theatre's distinctive façade and marquee, along with other elements like the box office, Demois said, 'So there will always be a reminder of what the ByTowne has been — and the Nelson before it — as a cultural institution in downtown Ottawa.' Article content Article content 'It's a way of recognizing that this cinema has been an important space … and maintaining that and making sure to preserve it,' he said. Article content 'You see it in so many cities. It's so easy to lose the historical elements of a city, and it's nice to see Ottawa focusing on preserving those spaces. It's an honour to think that we're part of something that's deemed historically relevant.' Article content City staff told the committee this week that the ByTowne stood as 'a landmark' on Rideau Street and in Lowertown. Article content 'Its prominent frontage on Rideau Street and its iconic marquee distinguishes it from surrounding contemporary buildings. At night, the ByTowne's lighted marquee makes it highly visible on Rideau Street, uniquely reinforcing its status as a historic and familiar landmark on its streetscape.' Article content The 650-seat theatre serves as a 'gathering place' for independent cinema and the city's film community and hosts numerous film festivals and specialty screenings.
