At the heart of Ottawa, the city’s historic core, stands a remarkable building from the past: the former Union Station. Built between 1909 and 1912, Union Station served Ottawa and its citizens for many years, allowing trains to reach the city’s downtown. The building itself was an architectural masterpiece that enhanced the cityscape. However, over time, the building ceased to function as a railway station and became a modern conference center for the government. The architectural firm Ross & MacFarlane from Montreal designed this historic station, which is located at 2 Rideau Street, right in the heart of Canada’s capital. You can find more details by visiting ottawa-future.com.
Exquisite Canadian Art – Union Station
Today, the former Union Station serves a different purpose, but it was once Ottawa’s bustling railway hub. In its early days, it was a central depot for the city’s trains before becoming a full-fledged station. In 1909, Ross & MacFarlane was commissioned to design the future railway station. The firm’s design was highly praised, described as “stunningly beautiful,” with elegant theatrical styles, monumental features, and classical forms such as columns, entablatures, pilasters, domes, and arches, creating an extraordinary architectural masterpiece.
Construction of the Station
The construction of the station took three years, beginning in 1909 on the site of Ottawa’s old Central Depot, which had been built in 1896 by lumber baron John R. Booth. This old depot belonged to the Canadian Atlantic Railway. Although there were several delays, the station opened to the public in 1912.
Simultaneously, the Château Laurier hotel was being built directly opposite the station. Both the railway station and the hotel opened on the same day in 1912, and they were connected by an underground tunnel for ease of access.
The Threat to Union Station
Union Station’s existence was threatened when the Gerber Plan was introduced. This urban development plan aimed to improve Ottawa’s infrastructure while preserving the city’s environment. One key aspect of the plan was to remove all railway tracks from the city center. In 1959, Ottawa officials signed an agreement to build a new railway station outside the city center near the Heron Bridge, which would replace Union Station.
By 1966, passenger service at Union Station ceased, and the building’s future was in jeopardy. Despite its exquisite architecture and historical significance, city officials considered demolishing the station to make way for bus parking. This sparked protests from the public, who wanted to protect this unique piece of history.
The Fight to Preserve the Building
Public figures and Ottawa citizens alike began actively campaigning to preserve the building. One of the most influential voices was Constance Wright, who spoke on behalf of the Centennial Improvement Committee. Her speech, published in The Ottawa Journal in 1966, galvanized the citizens of Ottawa. Soon, more residents joined the protests against the planned demolition of Union Station.
In response, George McIlraith, Minister of Public Works at the time, announced a delay in the demolition of Union Station.
Government Conference Center in the Former Union Station
From 1967 to 1968, the public could still visit Union Station. By 1969, the building was closed, and plans were made to transform it into a government conference center, preserving its historical architecture.
Public Opinion on the Station’s Condition
Ray Phillips, founder and president of Heritage Ottawa, was a leading figure in the battle to save Union Station. Through articles in Ottawa Magazine, he kept residents informed about the station’s significance, its architecture, and the reasons behind the proposed demolition. He opposed the Gerber Plan, which sought to create a cleaner, greener Ottawa by removing railways from the city center.
Union Station, built in 1912, was modeled after the Roman Baths of Caracalla, designed to lift the spirits and beautify the city while celebrating the importance of the railway. Many feared that this magnificent building would be lost forever and replaced by a bus parking lot.
Ottawa citizens and the City Improvement Committee wrote letters, appeared on radio and television, and pressured politicians to save Union Station. Eventually, their efforts led to a delay in the station’s demolition. The idea of turning it into a conference center saved the building, and the government realized that restoration was more cost-effective than demolition and new construction.
In 1989, Union Station was officially recognized as a Canadian heritage site. The building, with its unique architectural features and historical importance, remains a treasured landmark for Ottawa residents. In 2006, Union Station was added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
