St. Patrick's Basilica
Ottawa, Ontario

Architect: John G. Cooke & Associates

Contractor: Heather & Little Limited

Photos: CCBDA

Winner – Historical Restoration


St. Patrick’s Basilica, located in the downtown core of Ottawa, is the oldest English speaking Catholic parish in the region. It was founded in 1855, and the construction of the present Church began in 1868. The original architect was Augustus Laver of the firm Fuller and Laver, architects of the East and West blocks of Canada’s national Parliament Buildings. In 1872, the cornerstone was blessed by Bishop Guigues, the first Bishop of Ottawa, and laid by Sir John A. Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada. In 1875, the building was named for the patron saint of Ireland.

Gothic in style, the Basilica is made of local stone and seats a thousand people. Today, St. Patrick’s Basilica’s ornate architecture is reflected in the glass window faces of the neighbouring skyscrapers. In 1995, Pope John Paul II raised Saint Patrick’s to the status of Minor Basilica, in recognition of its historical importance, beauty, and present vitality.

The restoration of 2009 involved the rehabilitation of the tower and steeple. Engineering consultant John G. Cooke of John G. Cooke & Associates collaborated with building contracting firm Lari Construction to repair, replace and repoint stones, install anchors, and install a new copper roof. Heather & Little furnished the structure with a new copper steeple, copper cornice and dentil bands, belfry louvers, ornaments, and the stunning 20-oz copper ceiling of the spire.


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