The North-East corner of the intersection of Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue in Ottawa was quite different back in 1928 compared to the busy intersection we are used to nowadays. In the shadow of the Roxborough Apartments and the Woods Buildings, humble houses hosted a "druggist" and a corner store when...

This aerial photo of Lowertown East demonstrates how much it has changed after the 1970 textbook urban renewal.St. Patrick Street which used to be a traditional main street with its stores and residences has been completely demolished and stripped from its built elements which consequently had it lost its main purpose.  It...

This aerial view of the downtown Ottawa shows how the land around the Rideau Canal has changed over the years.  The year at which the picture was taken can be estimated to 1927 from the existing buildings and landmarks; The Russell House burned down in 1928 and the Peace Tower...

In hindsight, the mistakes from past decisions become dead obvious. With the Ottawa Past & Present project, through several hundred comparisons, we try to demonstrate that past decisions do not guarantee future success. On that front, Lowertown East is particularly striking and anyone wandering or living in this area of...