The Abandoned Embassy of Syria in Ottawa

The abandoned embassy of Syria in Ottawa has seen better days.

While the arrival of Syrian refugees is grabbing headlines, on a quiet street in downtown Ottawa, the building that was once home to Syria’s diplomatic presence in Canada, now stands deserted and in disrepair.

The coat of arms mounted at the entrance of the consular section is covered in rust.

The front porch is boarded up and appears to be rotting. There are two office chairs rolling around on the deck.

The Syrian flag, threadbare and dirty, from years of wear and tear, hangs atop the flag pole in the front yard.

There is garbage all over the property which is located at 46 Cartier street, a block from City Hall. The structure was designated a heritage building in 1994. There is plaque on the exterior which reads the following:

This fine example of the houses constructed for Centretown’s affluent residents was built for retired merchant Newell Bath. The elaborate chimneys, porches and gables clearly identify the building with the Queen Anne Revival Style.

Syrian officials were booted from the embassy in May 2012, when Canada joined the US, UK and several other European states in the decision to expel Syrian embassies and consulates as well as staff.

It’s a shame to see a heritage property in the city’s core left so neglected.