Dedicated to Preserving Our Built Heritage September 2012 Volume 39, No. 3

The Gloucester Street Convent of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame (1872-1965) By Ken Elder

Editor's note Rev. Father J. F. Guillard, This is the first in a series of articles pastor of Saint-Joseph Church, prepared for publication by and Rev. Father John Joseph

heritage architect and Heritage Collins, pastor of Saint oodburn, 1874. Board Member Ken Elder. Patrick’s parish. For over The original commissioning 100 years the sisters offered publication was unable to publish education in French and in English in downtown Ottawa.

these articles due to changing , Ottawa: A. S. W priorities. In 1872, the Sisters left the Heritage Ottawa is pleased former Royal Victoria Hotel for to offer these well-researched and their new permanent convent, carefully prepared studies of an imposing five storey stone Ottawa heritage buildings in two structure on Gloucester Street. ectory for 1874-75 formats. Full-length articles will The design for the new appear on our web site shortly after Congrégation de Notre-Dame an abridged version is published in Detail, Advertisement. Artist conception of convent was prepared Ottawa Dir Congregation de Notre Dame Convent by architect James R. Bowes

the Heritage Ottawa Newsletter. Photo: (1851-1892). An artist’s concep- t a time when everything south of Gloucester tion of the proposed ‘H’ plan building was utilized Street in the upper town section of Ottawa for many years in advertisements, but never fully A was largely open fields, the sisters of the realized. Congrégation de Notre-Dame purchased eight lots in the block bounded by Elgin, Gloucester, Metcalfe The Free Press of September 9, 1874 includes a and Nepean Streets and hired James R. Bowes, an description of this first construction phase: Ottawa architect, to design a combined convent “This is known as the centre building, having been and school for young ladies. designed to receive a wing on either side; it is 50 x 55 feet, The Congrégation de Notre-Dame, an educational five stories high, and the situation is in a most eligible order of the Roman Catholic Church founded in and healthy locality. The dormitory is the full dimensions Montreal in 1653 by Marguerite Bourgeoys, had of the building, and the ceiling is 14 feet high, the operated a boarding school for girls in Ottawa since ventilation being very good. It also contains a study- 1868. The school was established at the invitation of room, 50 x 50, for the junior classes, also class rooms, community rooms, and a music hall 50 x 55 feet.”

1 Congrégation de Notre-Dame... In 1925 splendid round construction walnut table from Construction of the Eastern Wing was begun in began on a the ante-room, the summer of 1874 and the grey stone structure 4 storey High chandeliers from was formally opened in late 1874 by the Governor A-027091) School wing, the convent General of Canada, Lord Dufferin and Lady west of the 1872- chapel and Dufferin. The Apostolic Delegate to Canada gave 1875 main build- reception room, his blessing to the new school, which was to have chives Canada/P ing. The fire- striking religious far-reaching influence on educational standards. proof building, paintings and At this point there were eleven teachers in the incorporating the icons – treasured Institution and about 150 pupils. The course of latest advances by the Congrégation studies comprised the usual elementary branches of in hygiene and through the years, an English and French education including Ancient ventilation, were taken to the accommodated and Modern History, Literature, Botany, use of opley Studio/Library and Ar Globes and Astronomy, Zoology, Natural History, classrooms, complex.

Chemistry, Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Algebra and Photo: (T laboratories, Moving day was Geometry. gymnasia, scheduled for Postcard: K. Elder collection The large public or examination hall on the dormitories, Postcard. Congregation de Notre Dame Gloucester St. Ottawa. Published by H. Richards, August, 1965. bedrooms, and Montreal, c. 1926. Completed High School wing at right. second floor of the new wing was inaugurated with Couvent de Notre-Dame, 34-38 Gloucester Street from north west, The Congrégation a grand literary and musical entertainment on April, 1886 rooms reserved for de Notre-Dame March 15, 1875 and on August 20, 1875, the chapel the Sisters. Classes in the new building began in Convent on Gloucester Street fell to the wrecker's on the ground floor was blessed by Monseigneur September, 1925. Construction of the High School hammer in 1967. The official opening of the new and deeply recessed windows it was an impressive Wing, close to the western boundary of the property, Duhamel. A special course of plain sewing, dress mansion. The interior, with its wood paneled walls, Notre Dame and St. Patrick’s High Schools took cutting, dress-making and house keeping was likely entailed the demolition of the 1 1/2 storey place on June 4, 1967. moulded plaster ceilings, decorative glass windows residence/store at 52 Gloucester Street. The 56 commenced and successfully realized during the Bell Canada purchased the block bounded by and ornamental fireplaces was rich in Victorian Gloucester Street building was adapted for courses first academic year. Elgin, Nepean, Metcalfe and Gloucester streets. detail. in “enseignement ménager” or home economics. Between 1909 and 1926 four neighbouring In 1923 the Sisters purchased the property Approval was granted for a 10-storey, 150-foot In 1926 the Sisters acquired the 2 1/2 storey brick residences of some distinction were pur- adjoining the convent on the corner of Metcalfe chased and adapted for school purposes. In 1909, mansard roofed brick house at 27 Nepean Street and Gloucester Streets. The two buildings on the east of the Convent property. The house was built the Sisters acquired the 2 1/2 storey brick residence property, one a combined residence and store, the for Harry F. Shaw, a carpenter, in 1890-1891. The Queen of Warren R. Soper built in 1889-1890, designed by other a residence in the Queen Anne Revival style Montreal architect John James Browne (1837-1893) Anne Revival style building had the characteristic designed by James R. Bowes (1852-1892). Primary picturesque, irregular massing, projecting bay in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. With its classes (English and French) were opened in these pinnacled corner tower, projecting entrance bay windows, tall chimneys, dormer windows, and two buildings. two-storey verandah. The spacious and well lighted rooms were renovated and adapted for Commercial courses. Leslie Maitland Heather Séguin President Webmaster In November 1959 the City of Ottawa was David B. Flemming Directors: advised that property for a new modern school Past-President Jay Baltz, Richard Belliveau, building had been secured in the Alta Vista area David Jeanes Laurie Brady, Katherine and that the Notre Dame Convent property on Heritage Ottawa is a non-profit organization dedicated to Vice-President Operations the preservation of Ottawa’s built heritage. Charbonneau, Linda Dicaire, Gloucester Street was being offered for sale. Ottawa Brigid Phillips Janssen Ken Elder, Ian Ferguson, Linda Hoad Heritage Ottawa Vice-President Programs was not interested in purchasing the Convent Linda Hoad, Frank Oakes, Editor 2 Daly Avenue Willam R. Price although several uses for the site were proposed, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6E2 Nancy Oakley, Katherine Jan Soetermans Secretary including a theatre, and the Eastern Ontario Spencer-Ross, Carolyn Quinn. Graphic Designer Tel: 613-230-8841 (vacant) Institute of Technology. Fax: 613-564-4428 Tina & Company Treasurer Heritage Ottawa acknowledges the Email: [email protected] The formal closing of the Congrégation de Notre- Printing (vacant) financial support of the City of Ottawa Photo: K. Elder Web: www.heritageottawa.org Legal Consultant and the Ontario Ministry of Culture Dame Convent took place on February 20, 1965 with 1000 former students present. Favorite antiques – a Place Bell Canada from looking north east, 2010

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building. However on May 1, 1969, Bell Canada An article in The Ottawa Citizen, the same month, this new sub-committee with councillors to the informed City Hall that it proposed to have “1,000 say farewell to Notre Dame Convent”, From the President…. detriment of citizen-input? Councillors already get their say at Planning Committee and full Council. Olympia & York erect a 25-storey, 232-foot tower opens with the paragraph: Here it is August already and (of which Bell Canada would lease 8 floors) “Progress beckoned at the imposing door of I hope all of you have had a Currently, OBHAC consists of citizens appointed designed by Bregman + Hamann Architects of Notre Dame Convent Saturday afternoon as 1,000 glorious summer and are looking to make recommendations to Planning Committee Toronto. The building, completed in August 1971, students past and present reunited for a nostalgic forward to a busy Fall. Certainly concerning proposed interventions to designated had 27 floors and took the name ‘Place Bell farewell to the 91 year old Ottawa Institution.” Heritage Ottawa is! and listed heritage buildings. This committee has Canada’. done excellent work over the last several years and We had an excellent turnout at The emphasis on progress is typical of the has provided wise, expert advice to Planning What is so striking about the loss of the the May AGM to hear Ken Elder’s wonderful talk period when the field of Heritage Conservation Committee, despite the fact that there have been no Congrégation de Notre-Dame Convent on Gloucester on his historic post card collection. At the AGM we was in its infancy. A lot of hope was obviously new appointments in a very long time. OBHAC listens Street in 1967 is the calm acceptance of this tragic announced our slate of directors, and we are placed in the greatly expanded facilities that would to public delegations, and this is an important loss of architectural heritage and all the memories delighted to welcome Frank Oakes, Laurie Brady, be provided by the new $400,000,000 Alta Vista opportunity for both proponents of change and it evoked, reaching back to 1872. An article in the Linda Dicaire and Katherine Spencer-Ross to our complex. concerned citizens to present their perspectives. Ottawa Journal in February, 1965, “Move To board. Good to have you! New Headquarters Ceremonies to Mark The irony is that because of financial pressures, Heritage Ottawa will be making a presentation We are having a busy walking tour season; for Convent Closing”, acknowledges that the closing both St. Patrick's and Notre Dame High Schools to the Joint Meeting of the Finance and Economic details, see the reminder in this issue or check our “will mark the end of an era in the educational were shut down just 8 years after opening, in Development Committee and the Governance website: http://heritageottawa.org/en/ history of Ottawa”, but says nothing about the August, 1973, and the property sold to the Renewal Sub-Committee on August 30, 2012, heritage_ottawa%E2%80%99s_2012_walking_tours. loss of this tangible reminder of what went before. Government of Canada. urging Council to right the balance on this Coming up in September is our new Lecture Series. important committee. The organisation of the Lecture program is being coordinated this year by Katherine Spencer-Ross Additionally, proposed changes to the existing and Linda Dicaire, two of our new board members, Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee Supporting the ‘Next Generation’ of heritage professionals who have a fresh take on our lecture program. are problematic. The plan to fold Recreation and Check out the insert in this Newsletter and pin it to Leisure into this committee, making for a massive For several years Heritage Ottawa has sponsored Student attendees were able to enjoy all the your bulletin board! portfolio of disparate interests provides for too few members to handle the work, and only four two- heritage students from the Ottawa area colleges sessions of the conference and attend a specially The City is proposing to revamp its advisory hour meetings per year. Arts, Culture and Heritage, and universities to attend the Ontario Heritage organized pub night, a networking event which committees. These committees are composed of and Leisure and Recreation each deserve their own Conference. Participation at the conference brought together different heritage generations in a concerned citizens who provide advice to Council voice and enough time and members to do the job. provides students with a valuable opportunity to relaxed atmosphere. on a broad range of issues. The City established 15 meet heritage experts, expand their knowledge of Carly Brecht, one of the students chosen for this such committees at the time of amalgamation in Advocacy issues continue: Heritage Ottawa has the heritage field and network with other young year's Heritage Ottawa sponsorship found the 2001, and a little trimming and rationalising is in made representations on your behalf concerning heritage professionals. Conference's sessions devoted to young professionals order. Some of the proposals such as having a proposed interventions to the National Capital The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario of particular value: Councillor on each of the surviving five committees Commission system of Parkways (widening the Aviation to accommodate truck traffic; (ACO), Community Heritage Ontario, and the [T]he “Young Professional Forum” lead by are positive changes. possible location of the LRT on the Ottawa River Frontenac Heritage Foundation co-sponsored this Amy Barnes, Kayla Jonas and Nancy Oakley…was But recommended changes to two of the Parkway); proposed widening of Sussex Street year’s conference in Kingston Ontario May 31-June 3. probably the most useful session seeing as how it committees could adversely affect how heritage involving the demolition of several houses in the Kayla Jonas, ACO NextGen Co-Chair wrote to was designed to help students like me find careers will be managed in this City for some time to come. Lowertown West Heritage Conservation District; Heritage Ottawa: in the heritage field. There was an extremely wide The proposed replacement of the Ottawa Built proposed demolition of a house at 187 Lansdowne range of advice and topics discussed which includ- Heritage Advisory Committee (OBHAC) with a “Not only were there 25 students, which accounted for Road North and other issues. We’ll try to keep you ed everything from volunteering, to design new Built Heritage Sub-Committee of Planning nearly 10% of attendance, there were also 20 young up to date on developments on these issues in the charettes, to mentoring programs and countless Committee consisting of four Councillors and three professionals under 30. This level of attendance by the Newsletter and on the website. younger generation was recognized at the Friday night other heritage resources. It was really interesting to citizen members will take Council representation Enjoy the rest of our lovely summer, and we dinner. Speaker Dr. Randall Mason asked everyone in hear stories of public opinions, conflict of interest beyond the realm of Councillor-participation and look forward to seeing you on our walking tours the room under 30 to raise their hands. Much to his versus what is usually just a perception of a conflict into Councillor-control. This is tantamount to the and at the lectures. surprise a large number of hands were raised. His of interest, and the overlap between sustainability politicians telling the politicians what they want to response was ‘You are doing better here than we are in and heritage. I also enjoyed meeting all the other hear, and cutting off an important source of citizen Leslie Maitland the States’. Your generous support contributed to that students studying other aspects of heritage. input to heritage planning in this city. Why overload President, Heritage Ottawa landmark moment.”

4 5 Celebrating Forty Years of the World Heritage Convention Reminder The World Heritage Convention turns forty this year! Heritage Ottawa’s Walking By Nancy Oakley Tour Season Continues

dopted in 1972, Canada As caretakers of these A full list of the autumn 2012 program, including the A ratified the Convention universally significant places, names of guides and a short description of each concerning the Protection World Heritage designation walk, is available on the Heritage Ottawa website: of the World Cultural and presents new challenges and http://heritageottawa.org/en/walking_tour_series Natural Heritage in 1976, and opportunities to the State All walks begin at 2:00 p.m., at the meeting points Photo: Brian Glenn today there are 189 State Parties who manage these indicated and last one hour and a half, rain or shine. Parties signed to the Convention. sites. While World Heritage Tour guide Leo Doyle explains the evolution of Old Ottawa South Tour prices: Heritage Ottawa members $5:00, The World Heritage Committee, status essentially guarantees non-members $10.00. made up of twenty-one rotating an influx of visitors, many sites October 7 members, meets every year to struggle to achieve the right balance September 9 New Edinburgh, led by Katherine Arkay, and Janet Photo: Nancy Oakley Uren, writer, both owners of designated heritage houses review the state of conservation between tourism and conservation. Cumberland Village (*new), led by Dorothy-Jane Smith in New Edinburgh of World Heritage Sites, and to The World Heritage Committee Session in Paris, 2011 Some sites inscribed on the list and Jean François Beaulieu, local historians and add others to the List. lack the tools to ensure their effec- Cumberland Township Historical Society executive Meet: Fraser Schoolhouse, 62 John Street, near Sussex This year's Session of the World Heritage tive management, such as a Statement of Outstanding members October 14 Universal Significance or management plans. Committee met in St. Petersburg, Russia, in June. Meet: Maple Hall, 2552 Old , Lowertown West, led by Hagit Hadaya, architectural The Committee voted to inscribe twenty-six sites The inscription of Grand Pré as a World Cumberland historian on the World Heritage List, including Canada's Heritage Site comes at at time when the ability of September 16 Meet: Bytown Museum, on the 'neath newest World Heritage Site: Grand Pré. A cultural the federal government to provide adequate protection Parliament Hill landscape located on the Bay of Fundy in Nova and conservation of its World Heritage Sites has Clemow Avenue Driveway: Ottawa’s Forgotten Scotia, Grand Pré is associated with the agricultural been called into question. Severe budget cutbacks at Architectural Gem (*new), led by Andrew Elliott, October 21 writer, archivist and architectural historian development and subsequent deportation of the National Parks and Historic Sites across the country Sandy Hill, led by Judy Deegan, resident and heritage Acadians, the subject of the Longfellow poem, have seen their staffing levels and operational Meet: Patterson Creek Pavilion near Linden Terrace activist Evangeline. hours dramatically reduced. The Rideau Canal, and Queen Elizabeth Driveway Meet: Laurier House, 335 Laurier Ave E. at Chapel Canada sat on the Committee on four separate declared a World Heritage Site in 2007, has seen September 23 staff cuts of 50%, leaving only lock operator positions occasions and hosted the Committee at Banff in Lowertown East, led by David Jeanes, urban activist 1990 and Quebec City in 2008. Canadian heritage still staffed. Heritage Ottawa understands that these Meet: École Secondaire de La Salle, Old St. Patrick and professionals have also actively contributed to positions will be cut to part-time by next season. Beausoleil Stuart Lazear Retirement the development of international conservation As the World Heritage Convention looks ahead theory and practice, most notably the work of to another forty years, we take the opportunity to Past President David Flemming presents Heritage the late Herb Stovel in the drafting of the 1994 reflect on past successes and current conservation Ottawa Honourary Nara Document on Authenticity. challenges. Perhaps our government needs a Life Member, Stuart Lazear with a World Heritage Sites are identified as having reminder of its commitment to both Canadians and Heritage Ottawa ‘outstanding universal value’, with significance the international community about protecting and Meritorious Service so great as to transcend national boundaries. conserving our global heritage. Award for his State Parties that possess World Heritage Sites Biographical Note: Nancy Oakley is a Board Member and contribution to the are obligated to safeguard them, recognizing the Heritage Keeper Program Coordinator for Heritage preservation of that they are the caretakers, not owners, of this Ottawa. She is a graduate student in the Heritage Conservation program at Carleton University's School of Ottawa’s built heritage. heritage. Today, almost one thousand sites have Canadian Studies. Stuart retired in June been inscribed on the World Heritage List, from esa Doré er after a 23 year career Macchu Picchu in Peru, to Ayers Rock in Australia. [Editor’s note: for more information about the Rideau Canal see the Save Our Rideau web site: as Senior Heritage

Sixteen Canadian properties have been inscribed, Photo: T http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/save/ Planner with the including seven cultural sites and nine natural Colonel By Day 2012 – David Flemming and David Jeanes greet

City of Ottawa. Photo: Christienne Uchiyama sites. index.html] visitors at the Heritage Ottawa Display

6 7 End of a long journey – Clemow Estate East Heritage Conservation District plaque unveiled

The unveiling of the plaque on June 19 2012 Capital Ward marked the successful end of over 8 years of work. Councillor David The Glebe Community Association’s Heritage Chernushenko, Committee worked with the City of Ottawa to Heritage Ottawa pres- establish this HCD in the Glebe neighbourhood. ident Leslie Maitland (see article by John Mcleod, and city heritage Heritage Ottawa planner Lesley Collins Newsletter, Fall 2011) were well-received. Mayor Watson unveils the plaque, Glebe Resident John assisted by Councillor Chernushenko This event also marked and Glebe resident and historian the centennial of Central Leaning also spoke John Leaning Park, the tranquil green about why the area

Photos: Brian Glenn space created from a dry needed protection. The formal unveiling was creek bed that sits on either Heritage Ottawa President followed by a short walking tour that took people side of Clemow Avenue. Leslie Maitland and fellow through the park, past some of the historic homes speakers John Leaning, Mayor in area, and ended with a look at the restoration of Words of congratulation Jim Watson and Councillor former architect W.E. Noffke's house at 20 Clemow from Mayor Jim Watson, David Chernushenko Avenue where refreshments were served. Upcoming Events Culture Days Historical Society of September 29, 12 – 4 pm Ottawa lectures Heritage Ottawa/Patrimoine Ottawa is Routhier Community Centre participating in this Canada-wide event for 172 Gigues Avenue (near Cumberland St.) the first time this year. Please join us! September 28 2012, 1:00 pm We’re opening our Glenn Wright office at Arts Court, Beechwood Cemetery: Formation History 2 Daly Avenue at the October 26 2012 corner of Nicholas David Jeanes Street so visitors can Benjamin Batson: Pioneer Ottawa see what we do; we Lumberman will also exhibit images of many of Heritage Ottawa’s Eighth Ottawa's heritage Annual Bob and Mary Anne buildings in the Phillips Memorial Lecture Photo: David B. Flemming hallway near the Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue office. Each hour, With award-winning biographer and our volunteers will historian Charlotte Gray lead a 20-minute walking tour to view Wednesday February 6, 2013 20 designated heritage buildings in a Watch for further information on our web four-block area around Arts Court. site or in the next Newsletter.

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