In a move that highlights Ottawa’s commitment to preserving its cultural landscape, two iconic community establishments—the ByTowne Cinema and the Ottawa Mosque—are now under consideration for heritage designation. This proposal represents a significant step in recognizing the architectural and social contributions these buildings have made to our city’s identity over decades.
The ByTowne Cinema, a beloved fixture on Rideau Street since 1947, has served as more than just a movie house—it’s been a cultural cornerstone for generations of Ottawans. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a different era, with its vintage marquee and classic interior that has welcomed film enthusiasts for over 75 years.
“The ByTowne isn’t just a building, it’s a community gathering place that has shaped Ottawa’s cultural identity,” explains Helen Murphy, a local heritage conservation advocate. “Its potential designation acknowledges both its architectural significance and its role in our collective memory.”
The Ottawa Mosque on Northwestern Avenue, built in 1973, stands as the first purpose-built Islamic place of worship in our nation’s capital. Its distinctive minaret and dome have become recognizable elements in Ottawa’s architectural landscape, while serving as a spiritual home for thousands of Muslim residents.
According to city documents, both buildings meet multiple criteria for designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, including their historical, architectural, and community significance. The city’s Built Heritage Sub-Committee is set to review these recommendations next week before they move to Planning Committee and eventually City Council for final approval.
Ahmed Hassan, a longtime member of the mosque community, shared his perspective: “This recognition feels particularly meaningful given the challenges many Muslim communities have faced. It signals that our presence and contributions are valued as part of Ottawa’s story.”
For the ByTowne Cinema, this potential designation comes at a crucial time. The independent theater temporarily closed during the pandemic before reopening under new ownership, highlighting both its vulnerability and its importance to local film culture.
“Independent cinemas across North America have been struggling for years,” notes Bruce White, a film studies professor at Carleton University. “Heritage designation can’t solve all their challenges, but it does provide a layer of protection and recognition that these spaces matter beyond their commercial value.”
The heritage designation process involves evaluating properties based on their cultural heritage value or interest. Properties that receive designation are protected from demolition and significant alterations that might affect their heritage attributes.
City heritage planners have identified several key features worthy of protection at both sites. For the ByTowne, these include its distinctive Art Deco influenced facade and marquee. At the Ottawa Mosque, the minaret, dome, and original architectural elements have been highlighted for preservation.
Community response has been largely positive, with many residents expressing support through public consultations. Some property owners occasionally resist heritage designation due to concerns about restrictions on future modifications, but representatives from both the ByTowne and the mosque have reportedly been cooperative throughout the process.
As a longtime Ottawan who’s spent countless evenings at the ByTowne’s screenings, I’ve witnessed firsthand how these spaces weave themselves into our city’s fabric. The mosque and cinema represent different facets of our community identity—one spiritual, one cultural—but both equally meaningful to those who gather within their walls.
City Councillor Rawlson King, who represents Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward where the mosque is located, noted: “These buildings tell important stories about who we are as a city—our diversity, our values, and our shared experiences. Preserving them is about honoring both our past and present.”
If approved, these designations would join nearly 400 individual properties already protected under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act in Ottawa. The process typically takes several months to complete as it works through various committees and public consultation periods.
For many community members, the potential designations represent something deeper than architectural preservation—they symbolize recognition of the diverse threads that make up Ottawa
