Heritage Ottawa began in 1967 when a group of like-minded citizens banded together with a common goal to form the Heritage Committee of "A Capital for Canadians," created in honour of Canada's Centennial Year – to ensure the preservation of Ottawa’s unique heritage character for future generations.

Ottawa was suddenly booming, putting many beloved properties of architectural and cultural significance at risk of loss to rapid new development. Our earliest advocacy efforts contributed to the preservation of the Billings Estate and the East Block of the Parliament Buildings.

In 1975, the people behind the Heritage Committee, led by Bob and Mary Anne Phillips, incorporated Heritage Ottawa as a Registered Charity and the rest, as we say, is history.

Our annual Phillips Memorial Lecture is held during heritage month to honour the memory of Bob and Mary Anne Phillips. 

We continue to advocate with passion and commitment for the preservation of outstanding built heritage and cultural landscapes in Ottawa and the National Capital Region.