Heritage Canada laments loss of Downsview Hangars
DND Proceeds with Demolition of Downsview Hangars
March 13, 2010
Mr. Paul Oberman, President and CEO of Woodcliffe Corporation worked tirelessly to find a solution that could both meet the needs of DND and save the historic Downsview hangars. His proposed land exchange between Parc Downsview Park (PDP) and DND would have allowed the hangars to stay and provide significant benefits for both parties. In the end DND and PDP were unable to reach agreement. The Heritage Canada Foundation and the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario advocated for the buildings and worked to bring federal decision-makers to the table. “A private sector developer was fully prepared to invest in recycling and adapting these heritage buildings, but the federal heritage system failed to support that option,” says Natalie Bull, HCF’s Executive Director. “In 2004 the Auditor General called for a legal framework to protect heritage buildings in federal ownership, and we continue to press for that.” Constructed in 1943, the Downsview Hangars were designated as Recognized heritage buildings by the federal government in 1992 for the role they played in Canadian aircraft production during the Second World War.
Type of News Item: News
For More Information Contact:
lloydalter@gmail.com
Location Information:
(f)Toronto
