“The Bank of Montreal is situated between Wellington and Sparks streets, opposite to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The Bank of Montreal, Ottawa, was built in 1930-32 to designs by Ernest Barott of Barott and Blackader, architects, of Montreal. For its depiction of modernized Beaux-Arts design in Canada, the building won the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada gold medal, thus making it one of the best examples of Ernest Barott’s work in combining traditional bank design with philosophy and a nationalistic interpretation of international styles. It now belongs to Public Works Canada.

“The Bank of Montreal is a Classified Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.

“Established in 1842, the Bank of Montreal is Canada’s oldest chartered bank and the first institution to establish a branch office in Ottawa. Specifically designed offices were built on the present site between 1872 and 1873, but in 1929, with changing architectural tastes and residential needs, the old buildings were demolished and replaced by the current structure, making it a very good example of local development.

“The Bank of Montreal reinforces the unchanged historic and economic character of the present area as the longest unbroken financial relationship in the economic life of the city. For its historical associations with the financial structure of the community and the country, the building remains a familiar landmark within the city signifying the strength and solidity of the Capital.”

Information derived from the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Credits and Sources:

Information derived from the Canadian Register of Historic Place