City rebuffs owner, grants heritage status to ‘rare’ Orléans farmhouse
Over the objections of the building’s owner, Ottawa city council has granted heritage status to a “rare and unusual remaining example” of a century-old farmhouse in Orléans. Located at 6654 Notre-Dame St. in the east-end suburb, Lauzon House is described by city heritage experts as an important link to the history of the early Franco-Ontarian farming community while exhibiting “a...
Council approves heritage study for Kanata’s Beaverbrook neighbourhood
City council has approved a comprehensive heritage study for Beaverbrook, the Kanata neighbourhood designed in the 1960s as a planned, nature-oriented community. The study could lead to Beaverbrook’s designation as a heritage conservation district, the first in Ottawa outside the Greenbelt and one of the few in Ontario recognizing a mid-20th century suburb. The proposal had earned support earlier from...
Over DND’s objections, city approves heritage status for old RCAF mess hall
An abandoned three-storey brick building in downtown Ottawa — its windows boarded up — once bustled with activity and used to make history. The century-old building at 158 Gloucester St. was designed and built in 1919 by Robert Holmes, a well-known figure in Ottawa’s architectural history. It first served as the headquarters for the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization...
‘Tell the truth’: Algonquin poet urges ‘Ottawa 200’ to fully acknowledge Indigenous history before colonization
Ottawa’s former poet laureate is urging the city to acknowledge the “oppression” suffered by the Indigenous inhabitants of the region — where they have lived for thousands of years — during this year’s 200th anniversary of the founding of Bytown. Albert Dumont, the city’s English-language poet laureate from 2021 to 2023 and a spiritual guide from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg —...
Ottawa councillors say ‘no’ to declaring Hintonburg a heritage district
Ottawa city councillors have rejected the idea of declaring the historically rich neighbourhood of Hintonburg as one of the heritage conservation districts.
Wartime convalescent home in Sandy Hill to be granted heritage designation
Ottawa’s built heritage committee has voted to designate a property that once served as a hospital for wounded soldiers returning from the First World War. Located in Sandy Hill, 410-412 Besserer Street — built by the famous engineer and inventor Sir Sandford Fleming in 1904 — served as part of The Fleming Convalescent Home from 1917 to 1921. It later...
Canadian War Museum acquires rare Second World War tank from UK
The Canadian War Museum has just added a key piece of our country’s military history to its massive collection of artifacts. The LeBreton Flats museum recently acquired a Sherman Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle, better known as a BARV. These tanks played a major role in Canada’s contribution to the Second World War, as they were used during the D-Day landings...
Algonquin elder still ‘frustrated’ by explorer Champlain’s prominence at renaturalized Kìwekì Point
The effort to preserve two 80-year-old elm trees in the recently rehabilitated Kìwekì Point reminded designers of one thing not reflected much in the national capital’s downtown landscape: that we are living in relationship to nature. “Those two trees are probably the main reason for how the pathway system for the park actually worked itself out,” said Garry Meus, a...
Veterans lead ceremony marking 25 years of Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Canadian veterans led a May 28 ceremony at the National War Memorial to mark the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the country’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On the day of the anniversary, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, Canadian military officials, veterans representing the Royal Canadian Legion and hundreds of local residents gathered for a solemn ceremony honouring the unknown...
Return to rail: The ‘Gréber Plan’ ended streetcar transit in Ottawa nearly 100 years ago
With a sense of deja vu, OC Transpo’s LRT expansion today is a return to an idea of mass transit that was shelved nearly 100 years ago.
Money museum aquires ancient Roman coin, other ‘once in a lifetime’ items
What do a 1,700 year old Roman coin and a Canadian penny worth thousands of dollars have in common? They’ve just been added to the collection of historical currency held by the Bank of Canada Museum in downtown Ottawa. Some of the museum’s most significant artifact acquisitions in 2024 were recently highlighted in a curator’s blog post detailing the latest...
Victims of Communism memorial fenced off as Nazi revelations complicate the inauguration process
For now, all that’s visible to the public is a black fence—a barrier around what should be Canada’s Memorial to the Victims of Communism.
Council approves demolition of heritage buildings in Lowertown
Ottawa City Council has approved the demolition of three heritage buildings on St. Patrick Street, which the local community association describes as “the poster children for demolition by neglect.” The decision means that the buildings, at 227-229, 231-233and 235-237 St. Patrick St., just west of Dalhousie, can be torn down and the property redeveloped. City staff supported demolition, noting the...
Council to settle the heritage designation of The Bay’s building on Rideau Street
Ottawa’s Built Heritage Committee has unanimously endorsed a report urging a heritage designation for the exterior of the Hudson’s Bay store on Rideau Street. City council will make a final determination of the building’s status. The building at 73 Rideau is east of the Chateau Laurier hotel on the north side of the street. In a committee meeting in April,...
Council approves monument to Irish Famine victims in Lowertown park
Ottawa city council voted to create a monument honouring Irish refugees of the Great Irish Famine.
Doors Open Ottawa returns to in-person tours of heritage, architectural gems
Doors Open Ottawa returns to in-person tours in 2024 as the pandemic fades away. This year's event is the first weekend in June.
Aviation museum unveils exhibit on Canada’s Cold War experience
A new exhibit on the Cold War has opened at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Capital Current pays a visit.
Pastor objects to heritage designation for church; ‘Shut the doors,’ he says
The Built Heritage Committee of the City of Ottawa has ruled that an aging church building on King Edward Avenue has heritage value. The church's congegration objects. City council will decide.
City council to consider approval of high-rise project despite concern it will cast shade on Experimental Farm research
The City of Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee has approved the proposal to build two high rise towers on Baseline Road, despite lack of direction from the federal government. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada have raised concerns about potential shadowing over the farm.
Sports Hall of Fame collection finds new home at Museum of History in Gatineau
The Canadian Museum of History acquired the Order of Sports Collection from Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, consisting of 100,000 artifacts.
Removing Aylmer Hydro Ruins could have major impact on wildlife, local experts warn
Removing the Aylmer Hydro Ruins will harm the local community's heritage and ecosystem, experts say.
Honouring the past: The National Naval Reserve Monument repaired and rededicated
In a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Naval Reserve, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada rededicated the National Naval Reserve Monument at HMCS Carleton in Ottawa on Oct. 14.
Disability advocates expose gaps in NCC River House’s accessibility
Audit reveals gaps in the NCC River House's accessibility. Advocates say this reflects a broader struggle in the city.
Cancelled event clouds future of capital’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Concern rising after St. Patrick's Day parade was cancelled for the third year in a row, this time because of the lack of volunteers and funding.
Amid ‘contentious commemorations,’ city moves closer to new naming policy
Ottawa’s city council will soon receive a formal proposal for a revamped municipal commemoration policy for paying tribute to worthy citizens and historical figures in street names and other landmarks. The proposed change comes at a time of heightened awareness of historical injustices and after months of research by a municipal advisory group in collaboration with the Capital Heritage Connexion...
Greely carnival celebrates 50 years of winter fun and community cohesion
The Greely Winter Carnival celebrated 50 years recently. The carnival has been a staple in Ottawa’s rural south communities. It was introduced in the town of Greely in 1972 and was designed to bring the community together.
City protects 19th-century timbers exposed at Charles Billings House by mistake
Some timbers exposed during a renovation at the Charles Billings House have been given a heritage designation by the City of Ottawa.
Coin tribute to late Queen highlights commemoration controversies
The mint recently released the black-banded toonie to commemorate the late monarch, but will Canada continue putting faces of the British royal family on Canadian currency?
Bytown Museum to reopen in May with exhibit on historic blazes in Ottawa
Opening in May a new in-person exhibit at the Bytown Museum will examine 10 big fires that shaped the city we know today.
Remembering a century-old fight for French-language rights in Ontario
A recent talk presented by the Historical Society of Ottawa recalled a significant event in the battle for French-language education and culture in Ontario.
Archive and history museum team up to offer ‘Unexpected!’ look at Canada’s past
Library of Archives (LAC) is back with its first exhibition since the pandemic, showcasing 36 rare finds from its collection.
War Museum exhibit pays tribute to famed equestrian artist Alfred Munnings
An exhibition at the Canadian War Museum features the work of the British artist Alfred Munnings, who was an official war artist in the First World War. He was assigned to capture the work of Canadian soldiers and their horses during the conflict.
New for you: Conservators bring passion, know-how to preserving history’s treasures
Two local Ottawa business are making what's old, new again and preserving history and memories, one piece at a time.
Byward Market plaque honours ‘remarkable life’ of Mother Marie
Plaque in Byward market honours life of a remarkable francophone woman, Jeanne Lydia Branda, known as Mother Marie who founded the Joan of Arc Institute, a Catholic order with a focus on providing social support and quality education for young women.
In Focus: Tour highlights commuter rail’s impact on Hintonburg — past and present
A recent walking tour of the Hintonburg neighbourhood explored the historical impacts of public transit, past and present.
The 25th Hour: Dancing Towards a New Dawn
Kateryna Shepertycka preserves Ukrainian culture in Ottawa through the Svitanok Dance Ensemble.
War museum offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in history this Remembrance Day
The Canadian War Museum is ready for in-person attendance for Remembrance Day.
War museum acquires three Victoria Crosses from First World War
The Canadian War Museum acquires three more Victoria Crosses awarded to Canadians for bravery during the First World War.
Sleuthing scientist set to restore identity of Bytown brother, sister ‘lost in time’
Researchers close to confirming the names two children buried at Barrack Hill Cemetery in in mid-19th century.
‘They’re coming to life in Canada:’ Photography exhibit honours Latin American soldiers in world wars
First-ever Latin American soldiers exhibit in Canada marked the beginning of Latin American Heritage Month in Ottawa.
Col. By Day proves to be a time to remember the founding of Ottawa and also those who have been here for millennia
Monday's Col. By Day was a chance to remember the history of Ottawa and the people who have been here for thousands of years.
Bytown Museum reopens after two years of adapting online
The Bytown Museum is physically open once again where visitors can learn about Ottawa's "rambunctious roots".
Remembering a hero: The first Chief Pinesi Day honours life of Algonquin leader
The Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation celebrated their first ever Chief Pinesi Day on July 1st.
Doors Open Ottawa marked 20 years this past weekend
Calling all history buffs: if you love learning about your city's history and heritage, the Doors Open Ottawa event that is happening this weekend may be of interest to you.
SAW Gallery’s artist-in-residence program finds home at NCC’s renovated Rochon Residence
The renovated Rochon Residence is now a living space for artists working in collaboration with the SAW Gallery, located in the Arts Court complex at Nicholas and Daly streets near the Rideau Centre.
COVID consequences: Pandemic prompted museums, historic sites to focus on digital experiences of the past
Two years into the global pandemic, studies have shown that 95 per cent of museums worldwide have been forced to close for stretches of time during the COVID-19 crisis for public health reasons, according to the International Council of Museums. That’s been the catalyst for a digital pivot in the museum and historic site sector — and it may bring...
‘It wasn’t an easy decision’: Federal engineer defends Alexandra Bridge replacement plan
In an online lecture presented by Heritage Ottawa a federal government engineer explained why the Alexandra Bridge is to be replaced, not refurbished.
Developer intends to preserve landmark Registry Office in high-rise residential extension to Rideau Centre
The historic Registry Office would be moved and integrated into a new high-rise development that will be part of the redevelopment of the Rideau Centre.
Sir Adam Beck hydro station marks 100 years of producing ‘clean power’ for Ontario
Ontario Power Generation is marking the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station.
With love: Venerable Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club nets a major restoration
The Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club continues Phase One of their complete restoration.