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A New Future for a Century-Old Civic Hospital and Its Nurses’ Residence

  • 10 hours ago
  • 2 min read


For more than one hundred years, the original Civic Hospital and its Nurses’ Residence have stood as quiet witnesses to Ottawa’s growth — places of healing, learning, and community memory.


Now, as the new Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus rises nearby, the future of these historic 1924 buildings — the original hospital and former Nurses Residence--is uncertain.



The Civic Hospital Neighbourhood Association warmly invites residents and community members to an important evening of discussion, ideas, and action.






📅 Event Details

Title: Built Heritage and Health Care: A New Future for a Century-Old Civic Hospital and Its Nurses’ Residence

Date: March 11, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Kitchissippi United Church 630 Island Park Drive, Ottawa


Why This Matters

These landmark buildings have shaped Ottawa’s development and touched the lives of countless residents. They are part of our shared story — architecturally, culturally, and socially.


A critical first step toward protecting them is formal heritage designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

However, time is limited.


Under changes introduced by More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022, properties listed on municipal heritage registers must be formally designated by January 1, 2027, or they will be removed from the register — and cannot be re-listed for five years.

Both the original Civic Hospital building and the former Nurses’ Residence are currently listed on Ottawa’s heritage register. Without designation, they risk losing critical protections.


What to Expect

The first half of the evening will feature short presentations from:

  • The Historical Society of Ottawa (James Powell)

  • Heritage Ottawa (David Jeanes)

  • City of Ottawa Heritage Planners


Speakers will explore:

  • The history and cultural significance of the buildings

  • The designation process

  • How heritage conservation can coexist with modern health care needs


Students from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University will present imaginative proposals for repurposing both the original Civic Hospital building and the former Nurses’ Residence — demonstrating how compatible, sustainable uses can ensure these buildings remain vibrant parts of the community. Large-scale photographs, architectural plans, historical newspaper clippings, and nursing school artefacts will be on display.


A Community Moment

This is more than a heritage discussion.It is a conversation about memory, identity, and the future of health care in Ottawa.


If you have ever walked those corridors, received care there, trained there, or simply passed by and admired their presence — this conversation includes you.


We hope you will join us on March 11.


 
 
 

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