Ethiopian embassy residence focus of heritage-designation dispute with Ottawa

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News Ethiopian embassy residence focus of heritage-designation dispute with Ottawa The built heritage committee will consider a staff report calling on council to approve the designation for the property on Island Park Crescent. Author of the article: By Abyssinia Abebe Published Sep 12, 2026 Last updated 19 minutes ago 4 minute read Join the conversation The property at 575 Island Park Cres. was built in 1927 and was purchased by Ethiopia's government in 1993. PHOTO BY ASHLEY FRASER /POSTMEDIA Article content Roof deterioration, cracking and sagging ceilings and mould are among the problems reported inside the nearly century-old property at 575 Island Park Cres. Article content Now the two-and-a-half-storey, red-brick-clad house owned by the Embassy of Ethiopia is at the centre of a heritage-designation dispute with the City of Ottawa. Article content Article content The city argues that the Georgian Revival-style residence, built in 1927 and purchased by Ethiopia’s government in 1993, is located near several other houses in the Island Park area with the same historical importance and should be preserved. Article content Article content The embassy is seeking a demolition permit, citing feasibility and economic concerns. Article content The Evening Citizen The Ottawa Citizen’s best journalism, delivered directly to your inbox by 7 p.m. on weekdays. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content The structure doesn’t have diplomatic status, but it was first purchased by the Ethiopian government to serve as the official residence of the country’s ambassador to Canada. For years it has remained vacant. Article content “A structure may be partially retainable in theory, yet not practically or economically salvageable in a manner that preserves authentic heritage fabric,” read an objection letter from the embassy to the City of Ottawa after staff recommended the property for designation during a June 9 meeting of the built heritage committee. Article content The city argues the home has cultural-heritage value because it meets four of the nine criteria defined in Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act. (A property can be designated if it meets two or more of the nine criteria.) Article content On June…