In the 21st century, few Ottawa residents know that during the 19th and 20th centuries, a large and very old architectural structure stood near Parliament Hill. In addition to the Senate, House of Commons, Central, West, and East Blocks, there was a unique building – the Supreme Court of Canada – located on the western side of Parliament Hill, with an exit to Bank Street. You can find more details by visiting ottawa-future.com.
However, at the time, the building was not considered unique or historically significant. Additionally, Parliament Hill became too crowded, prompting Ottawa officials to make the decision to demolish the old Supreme Court building. In its place, a parking lot was constructed in the 1950s.
The history of Ottawa’s Supreme Court building dates back to the 19th century.
Where Was the Court Previously Located?
Before the Supreme Court of Canada had its own building, the judges faced challenging times, constantly moving from one location to another. In the 19th century, the court heard cases in the Senate reading room and occasionally in a large room near the Parliamentary Library.
The Court Building That Used to Be a Stable
Canadian judges could not continue moving from one room to another indefinitely. During the 19th century, they were constantly “traveling” around Parliament Hill.
In the latter half of the 19th century, the government decided to provide Canadian judges with their own building. A location was chosen near other government structures in Parliament Hill.
Interestingly, the Supreme Court building was not built from scratch. It was a renovated stable and workshop located at the intersection of Bank Street and Wellington Street. When the court finally had its own building, it did not satisfy the judges. The building was cramped, and the renovated stables caused numerous inconveniences. The judges often complained about the foul odor left behind from the stable. Moreover, it was a long walk to the government library, the ventilation was poor, and fires and unsanitary conditions were frequent. By the 19th century, the building became infested with insects that destroyed the furniture, leaving the judges’ chairs riddled with holes.
Renovation
In the 1880s, over $12,000 was allocated to convert the stable into a courthouse. The workers completely remodeled the workshops, creating a large courtroom and small offices. In line with the luxurious style of other buildings on Parliament Hill, the stable’s exterior was enhanced. The windows were made larger and pointed to allow more light into the judges’ offices. The first floor housed registrars’ and clerks’ offices, while the second floor contained the main courtroom, a conference room, and a waiting area. However, the lack of a library meant judges had to walk several kilometers to the parliamentary library.
Allocation of Space
The Supreme Court occupied the western part of Parliament Hill from 1882 to 1945, a period marked by discomfort for the judges. The original stable and workshop, built in 1874 by Ottawa architect Thomas Scott, were reconstructed for court use. The building also shared space with the National Gallery, which occupied parts of the first and second floors.
Construction of the New Supreme Court Building
By the 1930s, the old Supreme Court building had become obsolete, and the government planned a new, more modern structure. In 1939, Queen Elizabeth, wife of King George VI, visited the construction site of the new Supreme Court building and laid the cornerstone. Construction was delayed due to World War II and was completed in 1946. For a time, the building was used for temporary government offices.
The old Supreme Court building, meanwhile, fell into disrepair, and though it continued to house various government offices, it no longer fit in with the architectural landscape of Parliament Hill. In the 1950s, CBC filmed a teleplay inside the old building, but by then, its fate was sealed.
A Historic Building Lost Forever
In 1956, Ottawa residents learned that the old Supreme Court building on Parliament Hill would be demolished. Initially, the plan was to build a small shopping center with a terrace on the site, but other redevelopment projects were considered, all involving the demolition of the old court building and the construction of modern concrete structures.
Both Ottawa residents and the conservative opposition was outraged by the decision to demolish the old architectural landmark. It had a unique architectural style and had been built in the 19th century, a piece of history that many believed should be preserved and restored, not destroyed. Numerous lawsuits were filed to halt the demolition, but all efforts were in vain. In 1956, workers began dismantling the old court building, declaring it unsafe and fire-prone.
Today, in the 21st century, a parking lot for government officials stands where the historic Supreme Court building once did.
