Commissariat Building (Bytown Museum)

The Commissariat Building, commonly known as the Bytown Museum, is located at the heart of the city of Ottawa, on the west side of the locks at the Ottawa lock station along the Rideau Canal. Constructed in 1827 to the designs of Corp of Royal Engineers by the Montreal contractor Thomas Mackay, it is the oldest remaining stone structure in Ottawa and is recognized as a federal heritage building since 1994.

Dating back to the construction of the Rideau Canal, the Commissariat Building exemplifies Canadian defense strategies of early 19th century and their evolution. Its strategic location and proximity to the commercial activities of Ottawa (Bytown) allowed for its usage as a warehouse to supply construction sites along the Rideau Canal, as well as to house offices for the commissariat officials and provide accommodation (Commissariat Building).

The building’s rough course masonry structure, symmetrical proportions and identical elevations allude to the British military traditions and establish its imposing presence in the area. With its supply doors and balanced window openings, the Commissariat building also displays pre-Industrial features.

The interior of the Commissariat Building has undergone a number of renovations, but still keeping the large storage areas as well as small offices, reflecting the building’s military background. The building was restored in the 1980s, returning the exterior to its 1840s appearance and reinforcing the heavy timber roof structure. Today, the Commissariat Building houses the Bytown Museum, dedicated to the history of the Rideau Canal and the development of the City of Ottawa.