The huge red Shoppers Drug Mart banners temporarily installed mid-August on Desjardins Pharmacy took many residents and local businesses by surprise – and it was not a welcome surprise. The signs are out of character with this venerable old building, the oldest pharmacy site in the Ottawa area. The historic pharmacy is protected under the Heritage Conservation Act as part of the Byward Market Heritage Conservation District.
Residents have contacted heritage planners at the City to clarify the signage restrictions within the district. On a positive note, the owners of this new Shoppers Drug Mart location have responded well to the community concerns. They have agreed to arrange for the permanent signage to be in keeping with the historic fibre of our neighbourhood, respecting the heritage criteria and the character of the district.
To read an October 1, 1963 Ottawa Citizen article about the history of the pharmacy, go to page 5 of the paper at http:// tinyurl.com/ m5u6nd7