The People’s Republic of China is opposing a push to grant heritage protection to a historic telephone building in Ottawa, prompting the city to put the plan on ice.

The property at 251 Besserer St. is a two-storey red brick building in the Beaux-Arts style. It dates to 1912 and hosted the second Bell telephone exchange in Ottawa.

Council voted to designate it under the Ontario Heritage Act in May. But the property owner, which happens to be the Chinese government, still had a chance to object. Resolving its concerns has proven complicated.

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In response, council voted Wednesday to withdraw its intention to designate the property. The decision follows a recommendation from city staff, who are asking for more time to work things o

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