List of designated heritage properties in Ottawa facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Ottawa is a city full of history, and many of its old buildings are very special! These buildings are called heritage properties. The City of Ottawa has officially recognized them for their important history or unique design. When you visit some of these places, you might even see a bronze plaque that tells you a bit about their past in both English and French. It's like a little treasure hunt to find them all!

Discover Ottawa's Historic Buildings
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Discover Ottawa's Historic Buildings

Ottawa's heritage properties are like open-air museums, showing us how people lived and worked long ago. They help us understand the city's story and keep its unique character alive.

What are Heritage Properties?

A heritage property is a building, structure, or even a piece of land that has been chosen by the city because it has special cultural or historical value. This means it's important to the community's past or has a unique architectural style. The city protects these places under a law called the Ontario Heritage Act. This law helps make sure these important sites are kept safe for future generations to enjoy.

Why Protect Old Buildings?

Protecting old buildings is super important for many reasons:

Learning about the Past: They teach us about how people lived, worked, and built things many years ago.
Unique Architecture: Many heritage buildings have beautiful and interesting designs that you don't see in new buildings.
Community Identity: These buildings give Ottawa its special look and feel. They are part of what makes the city unique.
Stories and Memories: Each building has its own stories, from famous people who lived there to important events that happened within its walls.

Cool Historic Spots to Explore

Let's look at some of the amazing heritage properties you can find in Ottawa!

Aberdeen Pavilion

The Aberdeen Pavilion is a huge, cool building that looks a bit like a giant barn or a castle. It was built in 1898 and designed by Moses Chamberlain Edey. It's sometimes called the "Cattle Castle" because it used to be a place where livestock were shown at fairs! Today, it's used for all sorts of events and markets.

The Aberdeen Pavilion, sometimes called the "Cattle Castle."

Château Laurier

The Château Laurier is a famous hotel that looks like a grand French castle. It was built between 1908 and 1912. It stands right next to the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, making it one of Ottawa's most recognizable landmarks. It's a truly majestic building!

The beautiful Château Laurier hotel.

Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker, officially known as the Central Emergency Headquarters, is one of the most unique buildings in Ottawa. It was built underground between 1959 and 1961 during the Cold War. It was designed to protect important government officials in case of a nuclear attack. Today, it's a museum where you can explore its secret tunnels and learn about a fascinating time in history.

The entrance to the Diefenbunker museum.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a stunning church with tall spires and beautiful stained-glass windows. It was built starting in 1846 and is one of the oldest and largest churches in Ottawa. Its amazing architecture makes it a must-see landmark.

The impressive Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

Mayfair Theatre

The Mayfair Theatre is a historic movie theatre that opened in 1932. It has a classic design and still shows movies today, including independent films and old classics. It's a great place to experience what going to the movies was like many years ago.

The classic Mayfair Theatre.

Carleton County Gaol (Ottawa Jail Hostel)

The Carleton County Gaol was built in 1862 and used to be a jail. It's a very old and interesting building with a lot of stories. Today, it's no longer a jail but a hostel where people can stay overnight. It's a unique way to experience a piece of Ottawa's past!

The old Carleton County Gaol, now a hostel.

Pinhey's Point Historic Site

Pinhey Cottage is a historic house built in the 1820s. It's part of a larger historic site located by the Ottawa River. This site gives you a glimpse into what life was like for early settlers in the region. You can explore the old buildings and beautiful grounds.

Pinhey Cottage, built in the 1820s.

Watson's Mill

Watson's Mill is an old grist mill built in the 1860s. It's located by the water and used to grind grain using the power of the river. Today, it's a museum where you can see how the mill worked and learn about its history. It's a great example of early industrial heritage.