Protect '30s Ottawa movie theatre, city committee recommends

A movie theatre built in Old Ottawa South in 1932 should be declared a heritage building, an Ottawa committee has recommended.

The Mayfair Theatre on Bank Street near Euclid Avenueis the only movie theatre in the city built before the Second World War and the last operating neighbourhood theatre.

If city council agrees with the recommendation made Tuesday by the planning and environment committee,when it holds a vote on Oct. 8, the theatre's owners would not be allowed to damage, alter or tear it down under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Some neighbourhood residents had also been pushing for the designation for the building, which has an interior featuring ornate stone faades, faux balconies along the side walls, wrought ironwork, drapery and ornamental glass windows.

"It's a unique architectural gem that exists from the 1930s that doesn't exist essentially anywhere in Ottawa and in fact, there's very few that exist anywhere in Canada of this sort," said John Calvert, a member of theneighbourhood group.

A report by the local architectural conservation advisory committee endorsed the designation, highlighting the theatre'sdesign as a Spanish Revival-style atmospheric theatre intended to conjure the ambiance of a Mediterranean plaza.

However, a lawyer for the theatre's owner had argued that the single-screen theatre isn't viable as a business. In addition, the building needs a number of costly repairs, including a new roof.

Building has 'lot of potential': neighbour

Calvert said he's pleased the city councillors on the planning committee weren't scared away by the owner's arguments.

"There is, I think, a lot of potential for redevelopment," he said, suggesting that the concession could be upgraded to include a bar, and the stage could be widened to accommodate concerts.

The theatre is currently slated to close on Nov. 30 and go up for sale thereafter.

Calverthopes it can be bought by the right people.

"We need to look to people who do have the vision as developers, as cinema buffs and cinema business people."

He added that many people in the neighbourhood would still like to see the Mayfair remain a cinema because it makes for a more walkable community.

Clive Doucet, city councillor for Capital Ward, which includes the Mayfair, said he thinks the planning committee made the right decision.

However, he added that heritage status will only go so far in saving the theatre. If no group is willing to do the necessary repairs, the building could still end up falling apart and being torn down.