“The Victoria Building stands in the heart of Ottawa, as part of the southern streetscape of Wellington Street, directly facing Parliament Hill. It is a large, ten-story structure defined by two principal façades with a brick and stone facing. The Victoria Building was constructed in 1927-28 to the designs of Ottawa architect J. Albert Ewart.

“The Victoria Building is associated with Ottawa’s early 20th century change from a lumber trade based economy to one increasingly dependent on the business of government. Built by the Wellington Investments Company the building was used by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation as its national headquarters from 1938 to 1964. The coordinating and planning of a national radio network, and later a national television network was planned in the building. In 1973, the government of Canada purchased the building, and it now houses subsidiary offices of the Senate and the Library of Parliament. The Victoria Building was an early high-rise building that prompted the federal government to take a more active role in local planning development and height restrictions through the Federal District Commission.

“The Victoria Building in particular was so prominently located across from Parliament Hill that it influenced the federal government to take a more active role in local planning and development through the Federal District Commission. This intervention led eventually to specific height restrictions and government control.”

Information derived from the Canadian Register of Historic Places.

Credits and Sources:

Information derived from the Canadian Register of Historic Place