Concerns about the use of vacant land of the Iraqi Embassy in Ottawa

At the end of a calm street in the Basse-Ville d’Ottawa. Similarly, bordered by adjoining houses and residential buildings, is a large vacant lot which occupies almost half a pâté of houses.

For decades. Therefore, residents, dog walkers and students from a neighboring high school used this vacant field as a practical shortcut between the Bruyère and St Patrick streets, much thinking that it was public ground.

In reality, this land belongs to the Republic of Iraq, which bought it for $ 1 in 1982. For example, According to the neighbors. Therefore, the land has remained practically intact since, with the exception of an occasional mowing of the grass in summer.

Two weeks ago. Consequently, entrepreneurs struck at the doors of the neighborhood to inform certain residents that a fence was soon to be erected and that they had concerns about use vacant land to move their cars, their garden shelters and their terraces to avoid being blocked.

The neighbors hope for a solution

According to satellite images from a database in the city of Ottawa. Similarly, the proposed fence would also block access to a common alley used for generations by residents to access their properties and park their cars.

Ana-Maria Barbu. However, Daniel Gheorghita, local owners, claim that the neighbors have repeatedly contacted the Iraq Embassy in recent months in order to negotiate an agreement, but that they have never received an answer.

All we want is to get in touch with them. Nevertheless, know exactly what they are looking for, see if there is mutual interest and if we can find a solution togetherdeclares Ms. Barbu.

Mr. Gheorghita explains that a company had presented himself last week without warning. had concerns about use vacant land started to dig, affecting a gas pipe which forced the evacuation of the neighborhood.

Tenant Sébastien Millette says this incident had it really frightened And made worried about the following events. because the fence would be built about 30 cm from the emergency exit from his apartment in the basement.

We are likely to have to find a new place. because I don’t know how we, our two dogs and our baby could get out of it if ever a fire saidhe says.

His neighbor’s neighbor, Richie Madan, is also concerned about the Iraq Embassy’s plans on this property.

There is no need to be discussed. it is their field, they have the right to use it as they see fit, but that should not be done to the detriment of the lifestyles of people since always.

Concerns about use vacant land

A municipal councilor demands transparency

The municipal councilor of Rideau-Vanier. Stéphanie Plante, also argues having tried to contact the Iraq Embassy, in vain.

It’s very frustrating! We must work with our federal partners to make sure they understand that these are not areas reserved for embassies […] that they must be good neighbors while fulfilling their diplomatic missionssays Ms. Plant.

She adds that the Iraq Embassy had not submitted any of the documents necessary to obtain a building permit. and that it therefore seemed that the owner was content to close the property for the moment.

Many embassies are expanding […] They have larger diasporas, they simply need more space. It is not surprising that they plan to develop this area.

In the contract for the sale of ownership dating from 1982, the lawyer for the Republic of Iraq said that the land was Acquired to be used for diplomatic and others, for the ambassador and other representatives of the Republic of Iraq.

CBC tried to speak with representatives of the Iraq Embassy, but they refused to comment. The embassy lawyer concerns about use vacant land also did not respond to multiple requests for information.

Through a statement, World Affairs Canada said he could not comment on private property disputes.

Ms. Barbu and Mr. Gheorghita confide that residents had hired their own lawyer in order to study the possibility of a prescriptive servitude under Ontario law. and urge the municipal authorities to verify whether the municipal regulations are respected.

With information from Aya Dufour, CBC News