Heritage Building and Ottawa City Hall

The Heritage Building was formerly the Ottawa Normal School, built in 1875. It was the second Normal School established in Ontario and is the oldest still standing today. In 1879, a model school for 360 pupils was added. As well, an assembly hall and additional classrooms were added in 1892.

The original architect, WR Strickland, chose the Gothic renaissance style to reflect the influence of the parliament buildings. Semi-circular Italiante windows, Romanesque columns and Second Empire roof complete the Victorian structure. The exterior walls are made from limestone quarried in Gloucester Township. The roof is slate and all the decorative trim is made of cast iron.

The building was purchased by the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton (RMOC) in 1987, which built the office complex to the rear. Restoration and renovation work began in early 1988. Renamed the Heritage Building, it officially was reopened as part of Regional Headquarters in May 1990. After municipal amalgamation in 2001, the building became Ottawa City Hall. Today it is the executive block of Ottawa City Hall housing the offices of the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk.

The Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, showcasing Ottawa sports legends, is now permanently housed on the first floor of the building.

Location and contact

City of Ottawa

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Saturday, June 3 2023
    10am to 4pm
  • Sunday, June 4 2023
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

This building does not offer virtual or 3D tours.

  • Exterior façade of the Heritage Building
    Heritage Building, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of Mayor's Boardroom featuring a long boardroom table, chairs and fireplace in the background.
    Mayor's Boardroom, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Mayor's desk and chair with several large windows behind.
    Mayor's Desk, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of the Champlain Room at Ottawa City Hall.
    Champlain Room, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of Andrew S. Haydon Hall, also known as Council Chambers, at Ottawa City Hall.
    Andrew S. Haydon Hall, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Exterior façade of Ottawa City Hall
    Ottawa City Hall, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Exterior façade of the Heritage Building
    Heritage Building, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of Mayor's Boardroom featuring a long boardroom table, chairs and fireplace in the background.
    Mayor's Boardroom, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Mayor's desk and chair with several large windows behind.
    Mayor's Desk, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of the Champlain Room at Ottawa City Hall.
    Champlain Room, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Interior of Andrew S. Haydon Hall, also known as Council Chambers, at Ottawa City Hall.
    Andrew S. Haydon Hall, photo credit: City of Ottawa
  • Exterior façade of Ottawa City Hall
    Ottawa City Hall, photo credit: City of Ottawa

Architecture

Architect/Builder on record
WR Strickland
Architectural style
Gothic revival
Construction date or date range
1875
Category
Government buildings

Amenities and features

  • Public washrooms
  • Accessible access
  • Bike parking
  • Metered/paid parking
  • Family friendly
  • OC transpo nearby