Landsdowne Park Chronology March22 final - City of …ottawa.ca/cs/groups/content/@webottawa/documents/pdf/mdaw/mdu2/... · LANSDOWNE PARK HISTORY, CITY OF OTTAWA MARCH 2010 2 C o

C o m m o n w e a l t h H i s t o r i c R e s o u r c e M a n a g e m e n t L i m i t e dwww.chrml.com

Lansdowne Park Heritage brief

LANSDOWNE PARK HISTORY, CITY OF OTTAWA MARCH 2010 2


Table of Contents Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.0 Summary History and Chronology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.1 Early Development 1792 - 1867 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.2 Land Acquisition, Provincial Fairs & Exhibitions 1868 - 1888 . . . . . 8

1.3 Central Canada Exhibition Lansdowne Park 1889 - 1914 . . . . . . . . . 12

1.4 Lansdowne Park 1915 - 1949 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

1.5 Lansdowne Park 1950 - 1965 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

1.6 Lansdowne Park 1966 - 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

2.0 Heritage Design Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

2.1 Notional Directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 2.2 Aberdeen Pavilion 1898 NHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

2.3 Horticulture Building 1914 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

2.4 Challenges and Constraints - Site & Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41



IntroductionCommonwealth Historic Resource Management has been retained by the City of Ottawa to act as heritage consultant for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park.

The City has commissioned this study in order to provide participants in the redevelopment with a clear understanding of the history of the property and an assessment of the impact of new development being planned for Lansdowne Park. This report includes two sections.

• The fi rst section consolidates research and develops a chronology of changes that have taken place over the history of the site and surrounding neighbourhood. The consolidation and analysis of historic information attempts to defi ne a sense of place and will assist in making informed deci-sions as to the impact of development on the integrity of historic resources. The resources to be addressed include buildings, landscape, visual setting, sightlines, view-sheds, neighbourhood and the programming of buildings and site. For a history of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and the NCC lands adjacent to the site see Ontario History, Ontario Historical Society Volume LXXXIX, Number 2 June 1997 listed in the bibliography. The fi le will be made available on the website.

• The second part of the report sets out notional directions for consideration in developing designs for the revitalization components (urban park, stadium, urban mixed use area) so as to respect/re-fl ect the sites’s integrety and implications, challenges and constraints placed on the project from a heritage perspective.

The following tasks are part of the next part of the assignment and will be undertaken as the design concepts for the various elements of the revitalization program are developed:

• Heritage Impact Assessment of the redevelopment proposals in terms of heritage integrity, ease-ments, historically designated view sheds, neighbourhood, upgrading of services and compliance will be undertaken. The scope of the assessment will take into, not only the actual site and build-ings, but also, the Banks Street retail character, the Bank Street bridge, the pedestrian bridge, the Driveway and the Rideau Canal;

• Examine the impacts (positive or negative) of the proposed undertaking on the heritage attributes of the property and propose appropriate mitigation measures. Provide where possible, guidance as to the selection of materials and the architectural expression; and

• Working as liaison with regard to formal approvals with the various agencies including the City of Ottawa, NCC, Parks Canada, and The Ontario Heritage Trust. Address the responsibilities and approval process as defi ned by various agreements, Heritage Easements, and Cost Sharing Agreement.

Within this context, Commonwealth will contribute to the development of heritage impact assessments for any proposed siting options, particularly as it relates to the cultural landscape which refl ects the site’s 19th century exhibition and public use and retains the valued viewscapes to and from the site. The heritage impact assessments will examine the positive and negative aspects and provide recommendations and miti-gation measures for any proposal that has a negative affect on the historic values associated with the site’s designations.



BibliographyThe following sources have been used for the summary history and chronology:

Leaning John, The Story of the Glebe from 1800 to 2000. City of Ottawa. http://ottawahistory.ncf.ca/

Johnson, Dana. Wright Janet; Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, Ontario. Historic Sites and Monuments Board Agenda Paper.1986

The Central Canada Exhibition Association Through 65 Years. 1888 – 1953. The Runge Press, Ottawa, Ontario. 1953

Quinn Carolyn. The Aberdeen Pavilion: A Study of its History and a Consideration for its Future. Carleton University Institute of Canadian Studies. 1990

Dicaire Linda. The Rideau Canal Driveway: Founding Element in Ottawa’s Evolving Landscape. Ontario History / Volume LXXXIX, Number 2 / June 1997.

Central Canada Exhibition Association. Website: http://www.lansdownepark.ca/

http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/superex/index.html

Glebe Community Association: http://www.glebe.ca/history/

Baseball: http://www.baseball-reference.com

Football: http://www.mirroreyes.com/knowledge/ref/sports/greycup1.html

Hockey: http://proicehockey.about.com/lr/stanley_cup_champions/105070/1/1



1.1 Early Development: 1792 - 1867

The Township of Nepean was surveyed between 1792 and 1794. The survey divided the Township initially known as Township D into 200 acre rural lots of 1-1/4 by ¼ miles, including lots K and I portions of which would eventually form part of the present day Lansdowne Park. In 1798 Nepean Township became part of the newly created Carleton County. By 1812 lot I was owned by Richard Duncan Fraser and lot K was still unassigned. By 1815 the fi rst road had been extended from the Chaudiere Falls to the Billings Estate.

In the autumn of 1827 the route of the proposed Rideau Canal was cleared from the Ottawa River to Hogs Back Falls. The alignment of the Rideau Canal in lots H, I, and K followed Browns Creek which fed into Patterson’s Creek then to the Rideau River. In May 1832 the Rideau Canal was opened to traffi c and ord-nance lands established adjacent to the canal.

Sketch showing the proposed line of the Rideau Canal from the River Ottawa to the Head of Long Island. Detail showing the line of the proposed canal, and an alternate alignment to the west of the Rideau River. Note the road network, Dow’s Great Swamp, Hogs Back Falls, the ‘Notch’, the Billing’s Estate, and the course of Patterson’s Creek and Brown’s Inlet. Library and Archives Canada NMC 16183 John By, Lt. Colonel Roy’l Engrs, Com’g. Rideau Canal, 7th July, 1827.

1.0 Summary History and ChronologyThis chapter consolidates research and develops a chronology of changes that have taken place over the history of the site and surrounding neighbourhood. The resources to be addressed include buildings, land-scape, visual setting, sightlines, view-sheds, neighbourhood and the programming of buildings and site.



CHRONOLOGY 1792 - 1868

1792-94 Nepean Township surveyed.

Pre-1800 Glebe showing the 1792 sub divisions. Credit: JohnLeaning.

1820 Legislation passed providing fi nancial support for

agricultural societies and their fair.

1826 Rideau Canal commenced.

1827 Library and Archives Canada, National Map Col-lection NMC 16813: Sketch showing the proposed line of the Rideau Canal from the River Ottawa to the Head of Long Island. John By, Lt. Colonel Roy’l Engrs. Com’g. Rideau Canal, 7th July 1827. Detail. Note the line of the proposed canal, road network, Dows Great Swamp, Hogs Back Falls, the Notch, and the Billings Estate, and the course of Patterson’s Creek.

1829 First fair in the Ottawa Valley held at Wellington and Kent Streets. Riots due to betting irregularities. The next fair did not occur till 1836. http://epe.lac-ac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/superex/index.html

1832 Rideau Canal completed.

1836 On Oct. 3, 1836, seven years after the fi rst fair, the Bathurst Agricultural Society sponsored a Bytown fair. http://epe.lac-ac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/su-perex/index.html

1841 Library and Archives Canada National Map Col-lection NMC 17853, pt. 3. Detail. 1841 Plan of the Country between the Rivers St. Lawrence & Otta-wa and the Rideau Canal by Hampden C.B. Moody, Lieut. Roy Engineers. Detail. Plan of the Rideau Canal, Dow’s Swamp, Hartwell Locks, Hogs Back Falls, as well as the road network in 1841.

NMC 16813. July 1827.

In 1841 the Rideau Canal between Kingston and Ottawa was surveyed showing the road network south of By-town to the Billings Estate. In 1847 ordnance lands adjacent to the Rideau Canal were deeded to the Township of Nepean. By 1850 the use of the canal for military purposes had ceased and the canal was opened to American traffi c in 1853. In 1856 the Rideau Canal was transferred to the government of Upper Canada. By 1865 the Bank Street Road had reached the limits of the City at McLeod Street and the road extended to the Canal where a wooden swing bridge was constructed in its present location.

Pre-1800 plan. Leaning

NMC 17853 pt. 3 1841.



1846 In 1846, the Government established a province-wide governing body, the Agricultural Associa-tion of Upper Canada. Dena Johnston and Janet Wright, Aberdeen Pavilion, Lansdowne Park, Ot-tawa, Ontario. Agenda Paper. Historical Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, 1983. pg. 236

1847 The Township of Nepean was deeded 24 ½ acres of Ordnance Land by the Dominion Government.

Plan of Ordnance Lands in the Township of Ne-pean. Circa 1847 City of Ottawa File Archive.

1850 Provincial legislation passed enabling any Ontario municipality to establish an agricultural society which could purchase a fair ground and erect the necessary buildings. The Central Canada Exhibi-tion Association Through 65 Years 1888-1953. pg. 8

1855 Bytown was granted city status and took the name of Ottawa.

1858 Ottawa becomes the Capital of the Province of Canada.

1865 By 1865 Bank Street had reached the limits of the City at McLeod Street... By 1866 Bank Street had crossed Patterson’s creek and the canal on wooden bridges which were to remain until 1912. The His-tory of the Glebe, John Leaning. http://ottawahis-tory.ncf.ca/

Plan of Ordnance Lands. 1847.



1.2 Land Acquisition, Provincial Fairs and Exhibitions; 1868 - 1888

“As early as 1868 the Ottawa Agricultural Society (OAS) had acquired 19 acres of ordnance land out on the Bank Street Road beside the Rideau Canal - now part of Lansdowne Park - for use as a show-ground; by 1874 the OAS had acquired another 24 ½ acres of Ordnance land and purchased 15 acres of private land to the north. In 1869 the Ottawa Agricultural Society held the fi rst agricultural show on the site.

In 1875 the fi rst real exhibition was held on the site when the City of Ottawa hosted the thirteenth annual Exhibition of the Provincial Agricultural and Arts Association in a collection of wood frame structures. The frame structures constructed for the exhibition consisted of: the Main Building which was an octagonal two storey barn with eight single storey wings designed by James Mather of Ottawa; and the Ladies and Arts Building and a Horticultural Hall both of which were single storey gable roofed frame structures. The buildings would remain on the site for the 1879, and the 1887 Provincial Exhibitions. By 1887, a number of other structures were on the site; the Manitoba Hall, the Dairy Building, a Grandstand, Bandstand, and an assortment of stables. Through the period 1875 – 1888 the site was accessed from the foot of Elgin Street and Bank Street. Wharfs were located on the south and east sides of the site where paddlewheel steamers dropped people off to the exhibition grounds.

The Central Canada Exhibition Association (CCEA) was formed in 1888 and the site witnessed many im-provements, including the erection of a new Horticultural Hall, Grandstand, and a Machinery Hall. The fi rst annual Agriculture and Industrial Exhibition was held in 1888 and a notable fi rst occurred when electricity was used to light the site and buildings. Considerable face lifting to the buildings and the approaches to the Park were undertaken including; the dismantling and moving of the 1875 Main Building and the immediate repair of Elgin Street to the entrance to the Exhibition Grounds at the Canal Road and Fifth Avenue. At that time Bank Street Road was banked with sheds and a number of barns and sheds had been constructed on the south side of the property adjacent to the Canal as well as a wharf.

By 1888 the land north of the fair grounds had been sub-divided into estate lots and the existing street grid established; however, it was still a rural area with only 43 buildings in the Glebe area.

Plan of Exhibition Grounds showing the ordnance lands and pri-vate property acquired in 1868 and 1874. Note the Canal Road and fl ooded backwater to the Rideau Canal and the present Canal edge.



CHRONOLOGY 1868-1888

1868 In 1868, the nineteen acres of ordnance land east of Bank Street adjacent to the canal was acquired by the Ottawa Agricultural Society for the purposes of a fairground. The fairground at that time was well beyond the city limits at McLeod Street in Center-town.

Not withstanding fi nancial diffi culties forcing the mortgaging of the new Bank Street Road, it was all completed by the time of the arrival of the Ottawa Agricultural Society’s fairground in 1868, with a horse drawn bus service to serve it.

1869 Agricultural show held in November 1869. 1870 The Glebe c. 1870. Showing Bank Street, the Canal

Road, the fi rst houses and the Ottawa Agricultural Societies fairground. Credit: John Leaning.

1874 The fairground was enlarged by the addition of a further 24 ½ acres of canal ordnance land plus 15 acres of Mutchmor’s land to the north.

1875 The fi rst real fair occurred on the grounds when the City of Ottawa hosted the thirteenth annual exhibi-tion of the Provincial Agriculture and Arts Associa-tion. A new Main Building (See Photo CA 18779 1879) was constructed on the grounds for the event as well as the Ladies and Arts Building and Horti-cultural Hall.

Birds eye view of Lansdowne Park. Credit: Ottawa Citizen. Circa 1874.

1876 Birds Eye View of Ottawa looking south from Par-liament Hill. 1876. Detail. Library and Archives Canada, NMC 21082. Note Elgin and Bank Streets and the bridges over Patterson’s creek.

NMC 21082. Detail of Birds Eye View of Ottawa. 1876

1877 Elgin Street was extended to Fifth Avenue as a sec-ondary, later primary, access road along the align-ment of the old Canal Road.

1879 The travelling provincial exhibition was held at Ot-tawa’s Lansdowne Park in 1879 in a collection of frame barn like structures

The Glebe circa 1870. Leaning.

Birds eye view of exhibition grounds. Citizen 1874

Detail NMC 21082. 1876



1879 The fi rst public demonstration of the telephone in Canada was made.

View of Exhibition Grounds during the 1879 Pro-vincial Exhibition. COA CA 18779 Note the Main Building and fenced canal edge.

1880 Queen’s Plate ran at Mutchmor Trotting Park.

1883 The City acquired Lansdowne Park for $25,000 as well as all the buildings on the site.

1886 Experimental Farm opened in 1886.

1887 The Central Canada Exhibition Association (or CCEA) was incorporated, funding it with a $10,000 grant and allowing the CCEA to use the grounds and structures left over after the 1887 Provinical Exhibition.

The travelling provincial exhibition was held at Ot-tawa’s Lansdowne Park in 1887 in a collection of frame barn like structures

Within a decade, however, persistent efforts by CCEA directors had turned the annual agricultural fair into what the Ottawa Citizen proudly referred to as ‘an all Canadian institution of an almost co-lossal character. Pointing out that he character of the CCE had changed subtly from an agricultural to an ‘industrial exposition.

Exhibition grounds. 1879. CA 18779

Exhibition Grounds seen from the river. Note the Main Building and the dock facility which was on the south side of the Park, Canadian Illustrated News Vol. 20, 1879. COA CA 18778



1887 The organization (fair) used the buildings from the 1875 exhibition including the Main Building (Photo-graph PA 027131 View of Octagonal building being dismantled); Canadian Illustrated News, October 4, 1879), The Ladies and Arts Building (Illustration, CIN 1879), the Manitoba Hall, the Dairy Build-ing, the Grandstand, the Bandstand, and stables.

Canadian Illustrated News, Horticul-tural Hall and Ladies Arts building. CIN 1879 COA CA 18776.

View of the 1875 Main Building from the opposite side of the Rideau Canal. Circa 1888-89. Credit N.B. Ballantyne.



1.3 Central Canada Exhibition Lansdowne Park 1889-1914

In 1889 the City of Ottawa annexed what would become the Glebe when Gladstone Avenue formed the southern limit of the settled part of the city. In 1890 the Exhibition Grounds were renamed Lansdowne Park after the Marquis of Lansdowne, Governor General between 1883 and 1888. This began a long tradition where Governor General’s wives acted as patrons to the annual exhibition and related associations includ-ing the CCEA and the Ottawa Horticultural Society (OHS). Lady Minto (wife of Governor General Lord Minto 1898-1904) supported an effort to beautify the Capital by using home garden competitions the im-mediated legacy being a number of fi ne gardens bordering the Rideau Canal Driveway which resulted in a heightend visibility of the OHS and the progress of civic beautifi cation in general. In June 1891 the Ottawa Electric Railway was extended to the site along Bank Street Road which by then had become the main entrance to the site. The introduction of the electric railway was the beginning of the end for access to the site by water which occurred circa 1900. In 1891 a plan of sub-division for portions of the existing site was developed, which was subsequently purchased by the CCEA sometime between 1898 and 1902. A notable fi rst for the 1892 exhibition included an exhibition by Thomas Ahearn of electrical devices for cooking.

The opening of the Aberdeen Pavilion for the 10th annual Central Canada Exhibition of 1898 epitomized the progression of the site to a signifi cant national and international venue for the display of advancements in agriculture, livestock and the burgeoning realm of manufactured goods. In the same year, the fi rst semi-professional baseball team the Rochester Patriots played on the grounds. In the following year, 1899 the Ottawa Improvement Commission was established by the Federal Government one of the fi rst priori-ties which was to clean up the Rideau Canal; the rustic entrance gates to the exhibition grounds were constructed at the foot of Elgin Street. During the Boer War (1899-1901) the troops of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse were encamped on the site.

In 1902 through 1905 the Ottawa Senators played in the Aberdeen Pavilion where they won three consecu-tive Stanley Cups. In 1903 the grounds south of the grandstand was leased to the Ottawa Football Club commencing a long history of amateur and professional football on the site. Additionally, Ottawa fi elded a team in the Canadian League from 1912 to 1915, and curling was fi rst played on the site in 1914 with the construction of the Horticulture Building.

In 1902 the Ottawa Improvement Commission commenced the construction of two driveways – one going through Lansdowne Park along the line of the old Canal Road and the other along Clemow Avenue. In the same year the Ottawa Aquatic Clubhouse was also constructed at Fifth Avenue and the foot of Elgin Street. In 1903 Frederick Todd recommends that a parkway be developed along the canal linking the Parliament Buildings to the Central Experimental Farms Arboretum. The Aberdeen Pavilion was renamed in the same year to the Manufacturers Building and the fi rst Winter Fair was held.

In 1903, the Coliseum was built as a fat stock and poultry show building and in 1905 a new Dairy Build-ing was constructed. In 1906, the Coliseum was enlarged and the main part built as an auditorium and show ring, which was named Howick Hall after Howick Castle, the English residence of Earl Grey, Governor General between 1904 -1911. In 1907, several structures on the site were destroyed by fi re includ-ing the Ladies and Arts Building (1875), the Experimental Farms Building, the 1905 Dairy Building, and the 1888 Grandstand. In 1908 the Pure Food Show was held for the fi rst time which would in subsequent years become a very popular part of the exhibition. Additionally in the same year a new Ladies and Arts Building was constructed.

In 1909 a new steel and concrete Grandstand was built to provide seating for nearly 10,000 people refl ect-ing the CCEA’s growing commitment to developing year round sports facilities on the site. The wooden Bank Street Road bridge over the Rideau Canal was replaced with the existing concrete bridge in 1912 and a new Machinery Shed constructed in 1913. In the same year, the Ottawa Improvement Commission



completed the Rideau Canal Driveway from Cartier Square to the Experimental Farm; the Driveway was routed through Lansdowne Park to Bank Street and over a causeway across Dows Lake. In 1914 the Horticulture building was constructed to the design of Frank Sullivan in the Prairie style; the building was built to serve as an exhibition building during the summer and a curling rink in the winter.



The Lansdowne site was transformed by 1889 with the commencement of the annual exhibition. The main entrance was located at the foot of Elgin Street and a secondary entrance located off Bank Street road. Ac-cess by water was coming to an end and the canal backwater was gradually being fi lled in as the exhibition grew in popularity.

Lansdowne Park was once again transformed during the period 1889 to 1914 with the construction of the Aberdeen Pavilion, Coliseum Building, a new Grandstand, a Dairy Building, a Demonstration Building and a new Machinery Hall. The purchase of additional land and the 1907 fi re which destroyed a number of buildings, as well as the growing success of the exhibition provided the impetus for the transformation.

Lansdowne Park 1889 and 1914




1888 The CCEA was incorporated under the Agricultural Societies Act of the Province of Ontario as a non-profi t organization. Site improvements included a new Horticultural Hall and Grandstand.

The Grandstand is perhaps the most imposing

structure on the grounds… Opposite this stand is a large stage for pantomimic, acrobatic and other entertainment.

To reach the grounds from the city a person had the choice of two routes, each with its own type of transportation, one was by horse drawn bus, which had a seating capacity of 12 persons; the other was by side-wheel steamboats of varying capacity close to where Fifth Avenue now joins the Driveway. There was also an entrance on Bank Street for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Captain Cose and a guard of honour of seventy-fi ve men furnished by the Foot Guards, with band opened the fair. Among those present were Sir John A. MacDonald, Sir Hector Langevin, Sir James Grant, the Honourable E. Foster, directors of the fair, the city members and prominent citizens. The Right Honourable Sir Frederick Arthur and Lady Stanley, Governor General of Canada were in attendance.

The MAIN BUILDING has been moved from the centre of the grounds and re-fl oored and painted. The removal of several of the buildings (wings) will enhance the view around the track. Ottawa Evening Journal, Sept. 1888

Considerable face lifting to the buildings and the approaches to the park.

The Association Directors were concerned about the show and met with Council which authorized the immediate repair of Elgin Street to the entrance of the Exhibition Grounds at the Driveway and Fifth Ave.

1889 Glebe Annexed by the City of Ottawa.

View of 1875 Main Building being dis-mantled. Oct. 1888. Library and Archives Canada PA 027131



In 1889 the fair gained considerable publicity by having Professor Baptist Peynaud jump off a 150 foot high tower.

The use of the fi rst electric light bulb at the fair.

1889 CCEA Site Plan. Diagram of exhibition grounds.

Note Canal backwater and machinery shed adja-cent to the east side of the canal, the water dock at the south side of the canal. North at bottom of image.

1890 Exhibition Grounds renamed Lansdowne Park after the marquis of Lansdowne, Governor General from 1883-1888.

1891 In June 1891 the Ottawa Electric Railway street cars were extended to the grounds which by then had become the main entrance, since the street cars put the boats on the canal practically out of busi-ness. The settled part of the City ended at Glad-stone avenue.

1891 Plan of Subdivision. North at bottom of plan.Note Centre Street (Holmwood Ave.) and Mary Street (O’Connor). City of Ottawa 35722.

1892 Thomas Ahearn unveils his exhibition of electronic devices.

1898 Aberdeen Pavilion built. Professional baseball on the site Rochester Patriots

play in Ottawa for the season. 1898 The City acquires Lansdowne Park as well as all

existing buildings for $25,000. The exhibition was a signifi cant national and international venue for the display of advancements in agriculture, live-stock and the burgeoning realm of manufactured goods of all shapes and sizes.

Lansdowne Park Exhibition Grounds. Aberdeen Pavilion under construction, 1898. View from the grounds to the north-west. COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18776.

CCEA Site Plan. 1889

1891 Plan of Subdivision. City of Ottawa 35722.

The Glebe circa 1898. Credit: John Leaning

COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18776.



View of the Canal at the foot of Elgin Street. 10 Aug. 1898. Library and Archives Canada PA 132245.

Photograph of the Aberdeen Pavilion being con-structed. 1898 City of Ottawa Archives (COA)/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18765

1899 1899-1901 Boer War commences and troops of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse were encamped on the site. Upon its return to Canada on 9 March 1901, the Regiment was disbanded.

On the recommendation of Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier, the Federal Government established the Ottawa Improvement Commission (OIC) with a mandate to transform Ottawa into a capital worthy of the country.

1899 The Ottawa Improvement Commission was created by a federal act the precursor of the Federal District Commission. Its fi rst priority was to transform the west bank of the Rideau Canal from a heavy, in-dustrial corridor into a scenic parkway, The Rideau Canal Driveway. This initial undertaking was mon-umental… because it necessarily involved a signifi -cant change in land use.

The parks and driveways under the commission’s control were in the main held under lease, either from the federal government or the City of Ottawa.

c.1900 Birds Eye View of Lansdowne Park. The remains of the canal backwater are shown and the new street cars along Bank Street. Canadian Illustrated News. COA CA 1002

Aberdeen Pavilion, circa 1900 COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18770.

1902 Clemow – Monkland Parkway begun. Prince of Wales visits and the OIC starts to build two park-ways – one going through Lansdowne Park along the line of the old Canal Road the other along Clemow Avenue.

Aberdeen Pavilion renamed the Manufacturer’s Building.

Stanley Cup game played in the Manufacturer’s

Building.

Library and Archives Canada PA 132245.

(COA)/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18765

COA CA 1002

COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18770.



1902 First Winter Fair held at Lansdowne Park. The Ottawa Generals were restructured as the Ot-

tawa Senators in 1902. Even though the team was offi cially the Ottawa Senators the media and the fans called the team the ‘Silver Seven’.

1903 Frederick Todd in a report commissioned by the

OIC recommends that a parkway be developed along the canal linking the Parliament Buildings to the Central Experimental Farms Arboretum.

With the opening of the Ottawa Winter Fair and the renaming of the Aberdeen Pavilion to the Manu-facturers Building in 1903, the CCEA’s shift away from an emphasis on agriculture in favour of indus-trial and manufacturing production is evident. Dur-ing 1903 Aberdeen Pavilion was used as a hockey rink, hosting the Ottawa’s Silver Seven hockey club. In 1909 a new steel and concrete Grandstand was built; both changes refl ecting the association’s growing commitment to developing year round sports facilities.

The Coliseum was built as a fat stock and poul-

try show building. The roof collapsed in 1904 and again in 1905 due to snow loads.

The Directors in 1903 decided to turn the Aberdeen Pavilion during the winter months into a hockey rink stating in their report ‘thus giving the public accommodation they previously did not have in the interesting winter sport’. They also agreed to lease the grounds south of the grandstand to the Ottawa Football Club for a period of fi ve years.

1904 The Stanley Cup fi nal was played in the Aberdeen Pavilion and won by the Ottawa Senators the leg-endary Silver Seven.

1905 New Dairy Building constructed which burnt in 1907.

Post Card View Aberdeen Pavilion, 1905. View from Bank Street edge looking north-east to the Ab-erdeen Pavilion and the 1905 Dariy Building. Note the Telegraph Building to the right of the image. Note that the 1909 Grandstand is not in the view. (Phil Dunning Collection).

View to the Elgin Street entrance to the Exhibition Grounds. Circa 1902 – 1912. COA CA 1280. Note horse and buggy and landscaping as well as the 1902 Rideau Canoe Club.

Post Card View Aberdeen Pavilion, 1905.



1906 The Coliseum was enlarged and the main part built as an auditorium and show ring, was named Ho-wick Hall after Howick Castle, the English resi-dence of Earl Grey, Governor General 1904-1911.

Founded in 1902, the Rideau Acquatic Club was originally located on the Rideau Canal at the foot of Fifth Avenue in the Glebe. The original clubhouse was a picturesque Victorian-style, three story frame building with turrets at each corner. In 1946, the club reorganized as the Rideau Canoe Club and in the following year, relocated to its current location at Mooney’s Bay.

Rideau Canoe Club, c.1906. Formerly the Rideau Aquatic Club and marina.(Phil Dunning Collection).

1907 Rideau Canal Driveway The Driveway was routed through Landsowne Park and passed over a cause-way in Dows Lake to the Arboretum.

The Ladies Arts Building, the Experimental Farms Building, the Dairy Building, and the Grandstand were destroyed by fi re on August 5th.

Driveway arch at Lansdowne Park. Circa 1911 – 1914. Topley Studio. View looking south along the Rideau Canal Driveway to Lansdowne Park. Li-brary and Archives Canada PA 010007.

1908 Exhibition fi rsts – Pure Food Show, the fi rst of its kind in Canada was held at the Exhibition.

The Demonstration Building was opened in 1908, and was then known as the Arts and Ladies Build-ing.

View of entrance to Lansdowne Park. n.d. 1902

Rideau Aquatic Club is to the right. Library and Archives Canada. PA 009999

1909 Grandstand – A new steel and concrete grandstand was constructed.

1910 Post Card view of water feature near Exhibition Grounds. N. d. Note hoarding to the left. COA CA 1422

Rideau Canoe Club, c.1906.


Library and Archives Canada. PA 009999

COA CA 1422



Photograph from the south side of the Bank Street Bridge looking north. The 1909 Lansdowne Park Grandstand is to the right and the Coliseum Build-ing is in the background. COA CA 5751

c.1911 The fi rst airplane fl ight over Ottawa during the an-nual exhibition.

Flower bed on Driveway near Lansdowne Park. Topley Studio. Library and Archives Canada PA 009996.

View of arch to Lansdowne Park. Post 1902. Topley Studio. Library and Archives Canada PA 009942.

1912 Wooden bank street bridge replaced with concrete structure (the existing bridge).

The Canadian League (baseball) was formed and

Ottawa Senators became one of their teams remain-ing in the Park until 1915.

1913 Central Canada Exhibition Association (CCEA) builds a new Machinery Hall on the east side of the inlet that had been an arm of the canal.

The length of the Rideau Canal Driveway was fully developed by 1913. The driveway was routed through Lansdowne Park.

Plan: Fire insurance plan,Post 1909 Pre 1913, Note the Coliseum building (1903) with the 1906 Addition, Note the 1909 Grandstand, the Aberdeen Pavilion, the lack of a wharf to access the site, and the 1875 Main Building.

1914 Coliseum Building boiler explodes during the Ot-tawa Winter Fair killing three men, injuring 20, as well as horses and poultry.

1914 The Horticulture Building was offi cially opened by Hon. Martin Burrell, Dominion Minister of Agri-culture.

1914-18 The Department of National Defence takes over the grounds for use in training troops to go overseas during the First World War.

Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry mus-tered on the site prior to being sent to France.

COA CA 5751



Fire insurance plan. c. 1909-1913



1.4 Lansdowne Park: 1915 – 1949

During the First World War Lansdowne Park was taken over by the Department of National Defence for use in training troops prior to being sent overseas. With the end of the War a new Press Building and Machinery building were constructed in 1920 on the site; the Machinery building burnt in 1944.

In 1925 the Rideau Canal was designated by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada as a Na-tional Historic Site, the horse and cattle stables which banked the south side of the site adjacent to the Canal were removed and in 1926 the Rideau Canal Driveway was realigned to its existing alignment. In 1926, extensive additions were made to the Coliseum and included the portion of the building facing Bank Street and new livestock barns on the east and west side of the 1906 wing of the Coliseum. A new Pure Foods Building was constructed in the same year, and an addition to the 1875 Main Building was completed.

Little new construction occurred on the site during the Great Depression and the Second World War with the exception of the construction of a new General Purpose Building in 1944. During this period the Rideau Aquatic Club moved from the foot of Fifth Avenue to Mooney’s Bay.

In 1920 and again in 1948 Lansdowne Park was the site of the national Liberal convention when the Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King was elected leader of the party, and the Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent respectively. Subsequently, the park was the site of the National Progressive Conservative convention when G. Drew was chosen as the leader of the party.

Public gatherings in Lansdowne Park during the period included; an audience seated in the grandstand to listen to the fi rst radio broadcast – a marvel of it time; the Worlds Poultry Congress in 1927; the offi cial visit of the their majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939; the Roman Catholic Marian Confer-ence in 1947.

University and professional football commenced on the site in 1925 and Ottawa fi elded baseball teams in the Eastern Canada League, the Canadian League, the Canadian American League and the Border League during the period.




1915 Bank Street paved.

Princess Pat’s Regiment leaving Exhibition Grounds, Ottawa Ont. 1915 View of 1909 Grand-stand. Library and Archives Canada PA 034032

Lansdowne Park: 1915 – 1949

The plan shows the site circa 1944. During 1926 extensive additions were made to the Coliseum, and the Pure Foods Building was constructed. The Rideau Canal Driveway (QED) was realigned to its present alignment in 1926 and the barns and sheds that lined the canal were relocated. The vestiges of the Rideau Canal Road remained in the internal circulation within the site up until 1966.

Library and Archives Canada PA 034032



1916 View of the Bank Street Bridge. Library Archives Canada.

1919 View of the Driveway 1919 looking toward the 1912 Bank Street Bridge. Archives of Ontario AO 10003590

1920 The National Liberal Convention was held in the Coliseum. Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King was chosen to lead the Liberals.

The Press Building was built in 1920 and a new Machinery Building was constructed.

At the Exhibition. Partial view of Aberdeen Pa-

vilion and the 1920 Machinery Hall in the back-ground. Library and Archives Canada, PA 011348

On May 20th, an Ottawa audience seated in the grandstand in Lansdowne Park heard a demonstra-tion of the marvel of the time – a radio broadcast over station OA.

1921 Board of Control meeting November 10, 1921. The Board of Control discussed moving the Exhibi-tion due to the increased popularity of the fair to a new location as well as selling the area towards the driveway for residential purposes. Ottawa Journal, November 11, 1921

1922 Pavilion at Patterson’s Creek along the Rideau Canal, Ottawa. 1922. Archives of Ontario.

AO 10003629

Ottawa Senators team in the Eastern Canada League during the 1922 season.

1925 Auto race at Central Canada Exhibition 1925. Library and Archives Canada PA 056264.

Rideau Canal designated by the HSMB in 1925 as a National Historic Site of Canada.

The horse and cattle stables which banked the Canal were removed between 1925 and 1926.

1925 By 1925, the commission (OIC) had obtained the

other lands adjacent or near the canal with the objective of complementing existing conditions, especially on the edges. Those acquisitions gave the Driveway most of the area which it occupies Library and Archives Canada PA 056264.

Archives of Ontario. AO 10003629

Library and Archives Canada, PA 011348

Archives of Ontario AO 10003590

Library Archives Canada.



today. OIC 1899-1925, The Capital of Canada Parks and Driveways (Ottawa: OIC 3 June 1925) pp 8-9.

1926 Realigned Rideau Canal Driveway completed.

Coliseum Building – extensive additions were made to the building in 1926. This included a new livestock barn at the northeast corner and what is now (1953) known as K barn on the west side.

Pure Foods Show building constructed.

1927 From July to August 14, 1927 the World’s Poultry Congress was held in Howick Hall (Coliseum) at the Exhibition Grounds.

The 1875 Main Building was moved many years ago from its original site, close to the Rideau Canal, to its present location and the brick walls now on it were built in 1927.

Circa 1927. QED completed. Note immature screen planting. Natural Resource Canada NAP A445710

In 1927, the process of adding more designed com-ponents to the capital’s landscape continued with the Ottawa Improvement Commissions reorganiza-tion under the new Federal District Commission.

1931 The Ex was the fi rst exhibition in Canada to estab-lish a department for Junior Farmers the forerunner of today’s 4H Club.

View of Rough Rider team in front of the 1909 Grandstand. Big Four Team photo. October 1931. COA CA 15276.

1936 Ottawa Senators play in the Canadian American League (Baseball) for the season.

1938 Thomas Ahearn dies and his son donated a fountain

to Lansdowne Park to commemorate his father’s achievement. The fountain stands behind the Coli-seum Building today.

1939 Rough Riders win Grey Cup at Lansdowne Park.

The Canadian American Baseball League came to Lansdowne Park and played for a season under the name of the Ottawa Senators.

Natural Resource Canada NAP A445710

COA CA 15276.

Arrival of Their Majesties King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, in the State car-riage, in front of the grandstand at Lans-downe Park. 19, May 1939. Library and Archives Canada PA 130674.



1939-45 Site used as an induction centre for Canadian troops heading overseas and was the home of the Cameron Highlanders the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards.

1944 The General Purpose Building was constructed.

The 1920 Machinery Hall burned.

Greber Plan for the National Capital. 1939 - 1944 View of Lansdowne park. Note military encamp-ment. Pg. 108 Fig. 81 Circa 1939-1944. RCAF Photo credit. Note the 1920 Machinery Building adjacent to the QED which burnt in 1944.

1946 City leases Lansdowne Park to the CCEA.

1947 The Marian Congress was held at the Grounds in June 1947.

Ottawa Nationals play in the Border League during

the 1947 season.

Greber Plan for the National Capital. Pg. 108 Fig. 81

Plan of Lansdowne Park. Circa 1944. Greber Report. Atlas. Plate 7. 1950



1.5 Lansdowne Park: 1950 – 1965

During the 1950’s two buildings were constructed on the site; a new livestock pavilion (1950) adjoining the Coliseum, and the 1957 McElroy Building design by James Strutt was opened for cultural, international, and scientifi c events. An addition was added to the Pure Food Building in 1955 and an addition to the Manufacturer’s Annex completed in 1953.

The 1960’s were characterized by the conversion of a number of existing buildings into Curl-O-Dromes; the General Purpose building (1961) provided 7 sheets of ice, the McElroy building (1963) where eight sheets of ice were installed, and the Horticulture building where fi ve sheets of ice were added in 1969. The fi rst permanent bleachers were installed in 1962 on the south side of the 1909 Grandstand.

Professional sports continued on the site with the Ottawa Rough Riders winning the Grey Cup in 1951 and 1960. Professional baseball continued with the farm teams from the New York Giants and Philadelphia A’s in the 1951 and 1954 seasons respectively.

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park 1961. Note the layout of the north-west corner of the site and the McElroy Building immediately above the track and the General Purpose Building to the left adjacent to the QED. Note the internal circulation pattern with the vestiges of the Rideau Canal Driveway extending from Bank Street south of the Aberdeen Pavilion and arching north east to meet the QED. Note the placement of build-ings in forecourt to the Aberdeen Pavilion. City of Ottawa Archives COA CA 008107.



CHRONOLOGY 1950-1965

1950 Coliseum building - New Livestock Pavilion con-structed adjoining the Coliseum.

The National Liberal Convention was again held at the Coliseum to succeed the Rt. Hon. W. L Mack-enzie King. The choice was the Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent.

The Ottawa Nationals play in the Border League for the season.

Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, ca. 1950

COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18815/Andrews-

1951 The Ottawa Giants (Baseball) were Ottawa’s repre-sentative in the International League.

H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth, and her husband the

Duke of Edinburgh, visited the grandstand.

1952 Ottawa ‘A’s play in the International League, from 1952 to 1954.

1953 The Central Canada Exhibition Association pub-lishes The Central Canada Exhibition Association Through 65 Years 1888 - 1953

1953 The 1875 Main Building which had been relocated

in 1888 was called the Manufacturer’s Annex as the Aberdeen Pavilion was over-crowded. An ad-diton was added to the building.

1954 Ottawa withdraws from the International League and team folds.

View of the horse and wagon team in front of the

Aberdeen Pavilion. 1954. CAO CA 18764.

1955 Addition to Food Fair Building (1926 Pure Food Building).

1956 Circa 1955 - 1956 Aerial view from the north east. Note that the McElroy Building (1957) is not in the view. Note the vestiges of the Rideau Canal Drive-way and the landscaped area with Pavilions be-tween Bank Street and the Aberdeen Pavilion. Note the service entrance at the foot of Adelaide St. COA CA 018803.

COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18815/Andrews-Hunt

CAO CA 18764.

COA CA 018803.



Circa 1955 - 1956 Aerial view from the east. Note the vestiges of the Rideau Canal Driveway, the 1944 General Purpose Building at the lower left. COA CA 018802

1957 The McElroy Building designed by James Strutt was opened for cultural, international and scientifi c events. Mayor George Nelms offi cially opens the McElroy Building.

1958 The National Capital Commission established in 1958 by the National Capital Act.

1959 Streetcars removed from Bank Street.

1960 CF-104 fi ghter displayed in the McElroy Building.

1961 The 1944 General Purpose Building was converted into a Curl-O-Drome providing 7 sheets of ice for curling.

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park. Circa 1961 COA

CA 8107

1962 The fi rst permanent bleachers were constructed on the south side of the 1909 Grandstand.

1963 McElroy Building – eight sheets of ice added for curling.

1965 Lansdowne Park Exhibition grounds near Aber-deen Pavilion and concert band shell, 1965. COA/MG/ 161/64 D 85/CA 18769/ Andrews-Hunt.

Circa 1965 Aerial view from the south. Note the landscaped area between Bank Street and the Ab-erdeen Pavilion. COA CA 010791.

COA CA 018802

COA CA 8107

COA/MG/ 161/64 D 85/CA 18769/ An-drews-Hunt.

COA CA 010791.



1.6 Lansdowne Park 1966 - 2010

The construction of the Frank Clair Stadium designed by Vancouver architect Gerald Hamilton in 1967 was the culmination of a transformation of the site. The 1909 Grandstand, a Demonstration Building, and a Bandstand were demolished to make way for the stadium. In 1968 the K Barn and a three storey animal barn north of the Coliseum on Holmwood Avenue were demolished. In the 1973 the City of Ottawa assumed administration of Lansdowne Park and the south bleachers were removed and rebuilt by the City in 1975.

In 1982 the City of Ottawa designated the Aberdeen Pavilion under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act which was declared a National Historic Site in 1983 by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The City of Ottawa subsequently designated the Horticulture building in 1994 and restored the Aberdeen Pavilion with the assistance of Parks Canada and the Ontario Heritage Trust. In the early 1990’s the General Purpose and McElroy buildings which abutted the Queen Elizabeth Driveway were demolished and the area landscaped by the National Capital Commission. A number of other buildings adjoining the Coliseum were demolished during the period and the Coliseum was renovated.

The construction of the Frank Clair Stadium in 1966 – 67 heralded the heyday in professional sports on the site. The Ottawa Rough Riders played football in the stadium till 1996 when the team folded. The Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Junior ‘A’ Hockey League have played in the Civic Centre from 1967 to the present and for a brief period (1992-1996) the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League played in the Civic Centre.

Lansdowne Park has been the subject of a number of redevelopment proposals the fi rst of which was a plan put forward by Murray and Murray Architects in 1972. A 1991 proposal to refurbish Lansdowne Park as an ‘Exhibit Show Complex’ failed to gain traction with the City and the local community.




1966 Frank Clair Stadium built at Lansdowne Park to the design of Vancouver Architect Gerald Hamilton. Named after the Frank Clair the Head Coach of the Rough Riders from 1956-1969. The 1909 Grand-stand was demolished as well as the buildings be-tween the Aberdeen Pavilion to Bank Street.

View of Frank Clair Stadium. City of Ottawa Ar-chives. COA CA 0506

Demolition permit issued for the demolition of the

Demonstration Building (#58767), a one storey assembly hall, (#58808), a four storey grandstand (#60333, 60284). City of Ottawa Archives.

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park. Circa 1972 - 1974 COA CA 010025 Note that the 1906 addition to the Colisem has been demolished (1971) and the south bleachers have not been constructed (1975). The site is shown at its most built out point with the exception of the south bleachers and the demolition of the 1906 additon to the Coliseum.

COA CA 0506



1967 The Ottawa 67’s formed and the Civic Centre was their home venue.

1968 Demolition permits issued by the City of Ottawa for 2 one-storey frame buildings (#63409), and a one-and-one-half-storey entrance gate (#64801).

1969 Horticulture Building – fi ve sheets of ice added for curling.

1971 Demolition permits issued by the City of Ottawa for the demolition of: a three-storey animal barn Holmwood Avenue (#69465), the two-storey K Barn, Holmwood Avenue (#69466). City of Ottawa Archives

1972 Murray and Murray Architects and Planning Con-sultants propose a redevelopment plan for Lansd-owne Park.

The Rideau Canal Driveway renamed Queen Eliza-

beth Driveway. Aberdeen Pavilion or Cattle Castle in Lansdowne

Park, July 31 1972. COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18812/Andrews-Hunt.

1973 The CCEA turns over the operation of the site to the City of Ottawa after council decided not to re-new the lease.

1975 The south bleachers were rebuilt and enlarged up-wards.

Live telecast of Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy held in the Civic Centre.

1978 Redevelopment proposal for Aberdeen Pavilion proposal by Adjeleian & Associates Consulting Engineers. October 1978

The Aberdeen Pavilion was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1983. The HSMBC noted that the Aberdeen Pavilion as “Rare 19th-century large scale exhibition building, 1898.”

1982 City of Ottawa designates the Aberdeen Pavilion under the Ontario Heritage Act.

1983 The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Can-ada designates the Aberdeen Pavilion a National Historic Site.

COA/MG 161/64 D 85/CA 18812/An-drews-Hunt.



1985 Blood Hughes Marshall, Architects submits a pro-posal for the redevelopment of the Aberdeen Pavil-ion.

1989 Horticulture Building designated by the City under Part IV of the OHA. By-law 208-89 Recinded in 1991.

The City agrees to a $9.6 million renovation of the Aberdeen Pavilion.

1990 Lansdowne Park landscaped.

Demolition permits issued by the City for the de-molition of a one-storey Exhibition Hall (#902074), a one-storey storage facility and exhibition hall (#902075), and a one-storey storage facility and washroom (#902076). City of Ottawa Archives. The buildings that were demolished included the 1957 McElroy Building, and the 1944 General Purpose Building adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

1992 Ottawa Senators obtain a franchise and play in the Civic Centre from 1992 to 1996 when they moved to the Corel Centre now Scotia Bank Place.

City of Ottawa Council approves the restoration of the Aberdeen Pavilion.

1993 Demolition permits issued by the City for the de-molition of a building (#931004), a Coliseum An-nex (#931879), a boiler plant for the Horticulture building, brine room, two free-standing toilets (#940103). City of Ottawa Archive.

1994 City Council designates the Horticulture building uner Part IV of the OHA. Bylaw 08-94.

1995 Demolition permit issued by the City for a one-storey curl-o-drome. (#951535). City of Ottawa Archives.

2008 Demolition permit issued for the South Side Stands. (#803578).



2.0 Heritage Design Brief 2.1 Notional Directions

The scope of this brief deals with Lansdowne Revitalization in terms of heritage and its implications. The discussion identifi es character defi ning features making up the site and provides notional directions as a tool to guide proposed revitalization related to the sites history and the sense of place. It is one of a number of factors taken into consideration in determining value for the revitalization components including the urban park, stadium, historic buildings and urban mixed use area..

Overall Context:

Recognize there is a diverse range of historical information (photographs, news paper articles, historical narratives, plans, maps) available to provide precedents and inspiration for new development. There is a need to recognize, showcase and increase public understanding that Lansdowne Park is one of a series of integral nodes along a signifi cant greenway system (Parliament Hill, Cartier Square, Experi-mental Farm – Arboretum), linked by water, namely the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway (QED).

As a part of the greenway system, Lansdowne has evolved and the City of Ottawa has played a leading role in the development of the site since 1875 when the fi rst Provincial Exhibition was held.

Recognize that the City of Ottawa and the National Capital Commission have been partners since 1899 in the transformation of Ottawa into a capital worthy of the Country.

Recognize Parks Canada’s role and mandate in the protection of the cultural resource and landscape features of the Rideau Canal in a manner that respects its historic value and ensures its preservation.

Recognize that Lansdowne Park is a centre piece to the surrounding Glebe, and Ottawa South neighbour-hoods.

The Aberdeen Pavilion and later the Frank Clair Stadium are both visual landmarks and cultural icons in Eastern Ontario.

Recognize the innovative nature of the Exhibition with a number of fi rsts:• The fi rst demonstration of the telephone was made in Canada at the 1879 Provincial Exhibition;• In 1891, the Ottawa Electric Railway was extended to the site along Bank Street;• In 1889, the fi rst electric light bulb was introduced at the fair;• At the 1892 Exhibition, Thomas Ahearn unveiled electric cooking devices;• In 1898, the construction of the Aberdeen Pavilion provides a marquee exhibition space with a

clear span, steel structure;• In 1908 the Pure Food Show the fi rst of its kind in Canada was held at the exhibition;• In 1911 Exhibition the fi rst airplane fl ew over the grounds;• In 1920 an audience seated in the Grandstand heard the fi rst radio broadcast over station OA;• In 1920 the Pure Foods Show building was constructed to exhibit local produce and related items;• In 1931 the exhibition was the fi rst in Canada to establish a department for Junior Farmers the

forerunner of the 4H Club; and• In 1957 the McElroy Building was opened for cultural, international and scientifi c events.



Traditional Uses of the Site:

Throughout its history individuals and groups have infl uenced and shaped not only the history of Lansd-owne Park but also the City of Ottawa and the Province. Value lies in the Park’s association beginning with such individuals as the Marquis of Lansdowne, Governor General 1883-88, and with such early patrons as Lady Minto. These individuals with special interests ranging from horticulture to hockey have shaped and redefi ned the Park throughout its history.

As early as 1887, the Ottawa Citizen proudly refers to Lansdowne as ‘an all Canadian institution of an almost colossal character’, and points out that ‘the Central Canada Exhibition had changed subtly from an agricultural to an industrial exposition’.

The use of Lansdowne Park and the buildings has traditionally had a commercial component geared to-wards product display, exposition and marketing. Overlaying these was a sense of showmanship emphasiz-ing progress and innovation. One example was Thomas Ahearn, local industrialist and entrepreneur who brought electricity to Lansdowne, extended the Ottawa Electric Railway to Lansdowne, and introduced the electric cooking device to Canadians..

Recognize and celebrate the long history of sporting activities on the site from 1898 to the present:

• 1898 the fi rst professional baseball on the site when the Rochester Patriots played in Ottawa;

• 1902 – 1904 The Stanley Cup was played in the Aberdeen Pavilion;

• 1904 the Ottawa Senators, the legendary Silver Seven, won the Stanley Cup;

• 1904 the Ottawa Football Club leased the grounds and in 1939 the Ottawa Rough Riders won the Grey Cup in Lansdowne Park;

• The Horticulture Building constructed in 1914 was designed with four curling rinks and the sport continued through the 1960’s with the development of a number of Curl-O-Dromes.

Recognize that Lansdowne Park has been a meeting place in the Nation’s Capital from 1869 when the fi rst agricultural fair was held on the site:

• In 1875 the thirteenth annual Exhibition of the Provincial Agricultural and Arts Association was held on the site;

• Beginning in 1888 an annual Exhibition and Fair was held on the site;

• In 1902 an annual Winter Fair tradition began;

• In 1920 the National Liberal Convention was held where Rt. Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King was chosen to lead the Liberal Party;

• 1950 the Liberal Convention was held and chose the Rt. Hon. Louis St. Laurent to the party; and

• Recognize that during the Boer War (1899-1901) and the First and Second World Wars that the site was used as a staging area for Canadian troops heading overseas.



New Design:

New design should incorporate the marquee character, pavilion style that has historically characterized Lansdowne Park buildings. The traditional exhibition buildings can be activated on all sides; they are large, clear span volumes; they are durable and sustainable, and have the fl exibility to accommodate changing seasonal uses.

New landscape features should enhance the QED forms and features and extend/bring them into the site in order to provide visual continuity and historical reference. Within the QED the emphasis is placed on soft landscape as opposed to hard landscape as a character defi ning feature.

Design should refl ect the site’s agrarian and exhibition roots as the premiere agricultural and exhibition grounds for the nation’s capital, eastern Ontario and western Quebec.

Recognize the transient quality of much of the design and installations, the use of tents, canopies and tem-porary structures, allowing for large crowds and relocation of structures depending on the event and the needs.

Historically, some buildings on the site have been moved as is the case of the 1875 Main Building which was moved three times and survived up until the 1970’s when it was demolished. Displays and exhibitions tended to be themed using a focal building such as the Aberdeen Pavilion with satellite exhibits in both temporary and more permanent structures. Other examples include the Pure Food Building (1926), and the Horticulture Building which since 1914 has shared its forecourt with the Aberdeen Pavilion.

Road System, Access and Edges:

For the period from 1868 through to 1926 the road system transected and was integrated into Lansdowne Park with formal entrances at the foot of Elgin Street and from Bank Street. The vestiges of the Canal Road (1832-1903) and the later Rideau Canal Driveway (1903-1926) survived through 1966 in the internal road network. The road provided a major organizing factor forming the spine around which buildings were located within the site. For a history of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway see Ontario History, Ontario His-torical Society Volume LXXXIX, Number 2 June 1997. Linda M. Dicaire ‘The Rideau Canal Driveway: Founding Element in Ottawa’s Evolving Landscape’ .

Recognize that the site has traditionally had two entrances with formal gates. Initially the Elgin Entrance was the prime point of arrival. Since 1891, with the extension of the Ottawa Electric Railway to the site, Bank Street increasingly is treated as the front entrance to Lansdowne and the Elgin entrance looses promi-nence and the entrance gates were removed by 1926.

Recognize that arrival by water was historically signifi cant during the period 1868-1899.

Recognize the two entrances off the Queen Elizabeth Driveway as historical access points from 1926 when the Driveway was completed to the present day.

Recognize the internal road system provided an organizing spine along which buildings were located.



1927 view aerial view with the driveway dividing at the entrance with one branch following the canal and the other passing through Lansdowne to Bank Street. Natural Resources Canada NAP A445710.

Topography and Landscape:

Recognize the National Capital Commissions designed landscaped environment on the south and east edges of the site.

Take into consideration the palette of soft landscape materials used along the QED.

Reassess the plantings along the QED in order to open up and reduce the appearance of a buffer planting.

Recognize that historically the ‘Front Lawn’ is the portion of the site that has undergone the most change in use – Canal Backwater with water features that were developed by the OIC. Later development fi lled in this area and progressively the area was converted to a parking lot.

Recognize the Ontario Heritage Trust easement dividing the property into two parts:

• Part 1 extending from Bank Street to the Aberdeen Pavilion includes a buffer zone around the building where approvals are required for design and location; and

• Part 2 where three sight lines from the QED to the Aberdeen Pavilion are protected and that any structures placed in the area will have to meet OHT approvals.



Appendix D: Ontario Heritage Trust Easement showing protected sightlines.

Meets and Bounds Survey of the OHT Easement: Part 1 Property; Part 2 Sightlines. Note that the plan developed in 1996 still has the McElroy building which was demolished prior to 1992. Note the two entrances off of the QED which have existed since 1926 when the QED was realigned



Planning Considerations

The Aberdeen pavilion is designated a National Historic Site of Canada and is owned by the City of Ottawa. See Historic Places report available at http//www.historicplaces.ca/visit-visite/affi chage-display.aspx?id=4114

Heritage approvals are required from the City of Ottawa, Parks Canada, and the Ontario Heritage Trust for potential new uses in the Aberdeen Pavilion.

The Heritage Elements specifi cally noted in the OHT easement in regards to the Aberdeen Pavilion include the following:

• Floors:• Walls;• Windows and window surrounds;• Doors and door surrounds;• Ventilation system;• Underside of the roof; and• Exposed steel trusses.

The Horticulture Building is designated by the City of Ottawa under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.Heritage Value is discussed as part of historic Places Report - www.historicplaces.ca/visit-visite/affi chage-display.aspx?id=8445. The document sets out Character Defi ning elements which include its:

• Flat roofed pavilion that forms the front facade• Overhanging roof eaves• Corner piers grouping of upper fl oor vertical casement windows with geometric patterns• Stepped foundation• Walls accentuated with select stone trimming,stucco panels and wood banding along the roof• Location within the complex of exhibition buildings located in Lansdowne Park (beside the Rideau Canal) and adjacent to the Aberdeen pavilion (Cattle Castle).

Views, View-sheds and Sight-lines:

Recognize the importance of sequential views and viewsheds, opening and focusing vistas along the Drive-way which should be encouraged as part of the front lawn.

Historically views are inward with a focus on the Aberdeen. Views looking out from Lansdowne Park are limited and lack focus.

Views from the stadium grandstands (1909-1967) overlooking the Canal and Ottawa South.

The Aberdeen Pavilion is the ‘eye catcher’ and focus of views from the Driveway, since 1926 and Colonel By Drive since 1965.

The front elevation of the Frank Clair Stadium from Bank Street is signifi cant, as is, the view of Aberdeen Pavilion from Bank Street which is codifi ed in the OHT Easement.

Distant views across the canal from Ottawa south and east as well as from the Bank Street Bridge have historically focused on the Grandstands and the Aberdeen Pavilion.

Views into the site from Bank Street, along Holmwood, Adelaide and O’Connor are channelled.



The Aberdeen Pavilion was designed as a focal point and serves as a visual centrepiece to the site.

• Constructed in 1898 in the Crystal Palace tradition of large open space exhibition buildings.

• Name changed to the Manufacturer’s Building in the early 1900’s to refl ect the exhibition of manu-factured goods.

• Throughout its history it has had multi-purpose uses. Used as an ice rink in the winter months between 1900-1910 period.

• During the Boer War, and the First and Second World Wars the building was used to house troops prior to going overseas.

• In the 1970’s for a brief period the Aberdeen Pavilion was used to house livestock during the annual exhibition.

• During the 1980’s the building fell into disuse due to its condition and was used for the annual exhibition only.

• In 1992 the building was restored and the use of the building expanded to include cultural activities and special events which is a new use.

2.2 1898 Aberdeen Pavilion: History and Use



The design and location of this building forms a unique element within the Lansdowne Park exhibiti-grounds with its close proximity to the Aberdeen Pavilion (or Cattle Castle).

• The building has survived with its basic form and materials intact.• Although in a neglected state, the Horticulture Building is a handsome, signature, building worthy

of restoration and integration with the site’s revitalization program.• Designed as a free standing pavilion set into the landscape and capable of being viewed and ac-

cessed on four sides.• The building was constructed with the intent of being fl exible in its use: as an exhibition building

in the summer and as a curling rink during the winter.

The building was constructed in its present location for three primary reasons:

• The site was undeveloped as indicated on the c1900 Bird’s Eye;• The building was sited in deference to the Aberdeen Pavilion, the focal point of the Park creating

a shared forecourt and outdoor exhibit area;• From 1832 through to 1966 the original Rideau Canal Road which passes through the site and

divides around the Aberdeen Pavilion provided an organizing spine along which buildings were placed.

2.3 1914 Horticulture Building: History and UseThe Horticulture Building with its long standing ties with the Central Canada Exhibition is signifi cant as an example of Prairie Style architecture. Designed by Ottawa architect Francis C. Sullivan, a one time employ-ee of Frank Lloyd Wright and a follower of the Wright philosophy of ‘organic architecture’, the Horticulture Building is an excellent Canadian interpretation of the Prairie Style. Its dominant rectilinear fl at projecting roof planes and highly stylized ornamentation is one of Canada’s earliest expressions of modernism.



2.4 Challenges and Constraints: Site and Buildings

Obtaining the heritage communities approval.

• The time line in which the approvals have to be obtained from the Ontario Heritage Trust and Parks Canada in order to meet the City of Ottawa’s approval process.

• Identifying appropriate use(s) for the Aberdeen Pavilion that will not adversely affect the heritage elements identifi ed in the Ontario Heritage Trust easement.

• Finding a balance between maintaining a public assembly use while maximizing retail opportuni-ties.

• Designing fl exible and non-permanent structures within the Aberdeen Pavilion that respect the historical uses of the building and that are fl exible enough to accommodate multiple uses during the year.

• The public’s perception of the degree to which the new uses respect the Aberdeen Pavilions his-torical use for public assembly and exhibition purposes.

• The demands that particular uses may put on the Aberdeen Pavilion’s heritage fabric and in the landscape, particularly full service restaurants.

• The degree of fl exibility by heritage agencies to accommodate services and contemporary uses.

In summary, any proposed changes in use will have to be negotiated with Parks Canada, the Ontario Heri-tage Trust, the National Capital Commision and the City of Ottawa.

Documents

Landsdowne Park Chronology March22 final - City of …ottawa.ca/cs/groups/content/@webottawa/documents/pdf/mdaw/mdu2/... · LANSDOWNE PARK HISTORY, CITY OF OTTAWA MARCH 2010 2 C o