City Council Unanimously Advances Island Park Drive Heritage Designation Process

Ottawa, July 21, 2025: In a unanimous vote, Ottawa City Council has endorsed key recommendations to advance heritage conservation planning along Island Park Drive, marking a significant step toward protecting one of the city’s most picturesque and historically significant corridors.

The motion, passed without opposition, directs City staff to move forward with the next phase in designating Island Park Drive as a Heritage Conservation District (HCD) under the Ontario Heritage Act. Specifically, Council agreed to:

1. Receive for information the Island Park Drive Heritage Conservation District Feasibility Assessment.

   
   

2. Direct Heritage Planning staff to undertake a full Heritage Conservation District Study and prepare a Heritage Conservation District Plan for Island Park Drive in accordance with the Ontario Heritage Act.

   
   

3. Receive for information the revised Terms of Reference for future Heritage Conservation District Feasibility Assessments.

   
   

The decision was welcomed by community members and heritage advocates who have long called for formal protections to preserve the architectural character, mature tree canopy, and distinctive streetscape of Island Park Drive.

“This is an important milestone,” said Robert Simpson, President of the Island Park Community Association. “We’re encouraged by Council’s unanimous support and look forward to working closely with Heritage staff as they begin the formal study. Island Park Drive represents an irreplaceable part of Ottawa’s cultural and urban history.”

The Heritage Conservation District Study will include further research, public consultation, and the development of a detailed plan that outlines how heritage values will be conserved over time. Once complete, the plan would be brought back to Council for final approval and formal designation.

The revised Terms of Reference will also help streamline future feasibility assessments across the city, clarifying procedures and expectations for potential heritage districts.

Heritage staff are expected to begin the Island Park Drive study in the coming months.

Community input will play a critical role throughout the process.