DICKINSON SQUARE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT INC.

Presentation to the Joint Meeting of the

Rural Issues Advisory Committee and the Ottawa Forestry Greenspaces Advisory Committee

Tuesday, September 25, 2007, 7:00pm

5572 Doctor Leach Dr., Manotick

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Rationale of The Project

Dickinson Square Heritage Management Inc. (DSHMI) is an incorporated non-profit charity dedicated to preserve and promote the unique heritage character of Dickinson Square for the benefit of the community and beyond. It is a coalition of community organizations: Kiwanis of Manotick, Manotick BIA, Manotick Horticultural Society, Manotick Art Association, Manotick Messenger, Rideau Historical Society, Rideau Seniors’ Centre, and Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc.

In November, 2006, the City of Ottawa entered into a Loan Agreement with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) for the building of their new office building. RVCA currently owns the 5 buildings of Dickinson Square in Manotick and granted the City of Ottawa an 18 month Offer to Purchase on these buildings. At that time, City Council instructed city staff to enter into discussions with the RVCA and DSHMI to develop options that provide for the property to remain under public ownership and to report back to Committee and Council at least 6 months prior to the expiration of the option period.

Objectives

Since that time DSHMI has been working with city staff with an aim of City purchase of the buildings and DSHMI’s management of the Square as a Heritage Development Centre. DSHMI has been busy researching possible community usage of the Square and has now hired a firm to complete a city staff requested Business Plan.

Timelines of the Project

· September 24^th – Tentative DSHMI presentation to the Rideau-Goulbourn Ward Council

· September 25^th – DSHMI presentation to Joint Meeting of the RIAC and OGSAC

· October 15^th – Tentative DSHMI presentation to the General Meeting of the Council of Heritage Organizations of Ottawa

· Mid-October – Draft Business Plan delivered to City Staff

· October 25^th – Tentative DSHMI presentation of the Draft Business Plan to the Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee

· November 1^st – DSHMI presentation of the Business Plan to the Community and Protective Services Committee and City Staff Report

· November 14^th – Report rises to City Council

· Early 2008 – City takes ownership of the buildings of Dickinson Square and offers Service Agreement to DSHMI to develop and manage the Dickinson Square Heritage Cultural Centre.

Benefits

The Business Plan will outline recommendations for usage and activities of the new Heritage Cultural Centre. Recommendations could include:

• Watson’s Mill remains Ottawa’s only working industrial heritage site, located on the newly designated Heritage Waterway
• Dickinson House would be a combination of heritage interpretation and community organization activity
• Grounds would have a series of interpretative plaques outlining the history of the Square and its buildings and contain the recreation of the former gardens and landscaping by the local Horticultural Society
• Establishment of a unique green space suitable for theatrical groups and other community use
• The Carriage House could be used to house a relocated and expanded Watson’s Mill Gift Shop and Tourist Information Kiosk in Ottawa South
• The Ayers Building would become the new home of the Rideau Senior’s Centre
• The Weaver’s House could be used for community organization office space and storage area

Impact of Area and Residents

Since the 1860’s, Dickinson Square has and remains a community focal point; first as a commercial/industry site; today, as a site of many community events and the operation of Watson’s Mill with over 20,000 visitors annually.

The Dickinson Square Heritage Cultural Centre will continue this success by hosting many different arts and heritage activities year-round. It will be a first for Ottawa and serve residents from across the City, Province and beyond.

Request to the Committees

DSHMI would appreciate motions from both committees indicating their support of the project and the creation of a Heritage Cultural Centre in the Square.