Last WW2 building in Ottawa to be torn down

The last building constructed during the Second World War to temporarily house a growing civil service in Ottawa is being torn down.

There were 18 temporary buildings built in Ottawa during the Second World War for public servants and all but the Justice Annex building have been demolished.

But the white wooden structure, tucked between the Supreme Court of Canada and Parliament Hill's West Block, has been vacant since 1998 and is no longer safe to enter.

It served an important role for many years, though, especially when Canada was fighting in the war.

"It's a war that was won by our military but backed up by our public service so it's a monument to their achievement," said Leslie Maitland from Heritage Ottawa.

Heritage 'recognition' not enough to save building

The building was given "heritage recognition" in 1988, which gives it some protection from demolition but not complete immunity. Buildings designated with a "heritage classification" are much better protected.

But after 70 years standing, the building has been neglected and will be slowly deconstructed early in 2012, which has upset some downtown Ottawa residents.

"The problem is the building was allowed to deteriorate to the points that [destruction] was the only viable option," said Jordan Charbonneeau, president of the Centretown Citizens Community Association.

"It's simply regrettable."

CBC News has been told the building will not taken down with a wrecking ball because some pieces of the old-growth B.C. cedar building could be reused or restored.

"We have received assurances that they are going to dismantle and repurpose," said Maitland, "So as much as it's unfortunate, this is the practicality of the situation."