Who We Are
Heritage Ottawa is the foremost non-governmental voice for understanding and conserving built heritage and landscapes in the nation's capital.
Vision
Heritage Ottawa envisions a city that values its heritage resources, integrates them into all planning decisions and ensures their contribution to Ottawa's liveability. We see a future where investment in the conservation of heritage buildings, historic neighbourhoods, cultural landscapes and other places that matter to communities is embraced as the smart cultural and sustainable choice for the city.
Our Enduring Purpose
Heritage Ottawa is an award-winning, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization that champions the protection and stewardship of Ottawa’s built heritage and cultural places, celebrating their value in enriching our shared environment.
Through advocacy, education and awareness-building activities, Heritage Ottawa promotes public engagement and investment in the protection and enhancement of our city’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.
Heritage Ottawa is a federally incorporated Registered Charity and the largest not-for-profit organization in Ottawa devoted exclusively to this cause.
When you become a member of Heritage Ottawa or make a donation, you’ll be joining an organization of dedicated volunteers helping to support the preservation of our city’s unique history and heritage.
What We Do
Our Mandate is Twofold
Heritage Ottawa advocates for the protection and enhancement of Ottawa’s distinctive built heritage and cultural landscapes. We speak out for and defend worthy heritage properties that are at risk of inappropriate intervention or loss. The Aberdeen Pavilion, the Billings Estate, the East Block of the Parliament Buildings, the Château Laurier and the Central Experimental Farm are just some of the properties that have benefited from Heritage Ottawa’s advocacy efforts.
Heritage Ottawa promotes the awareness, understanding and appreciation of Ottawa’s wonderful built heritage and distinctive cultural places. Our popular Lecture Series, Walking Tours, and Workshops are a great way to learn more about Ottawa’s local history and heritage while meeting people who share similar interests.
Our quarterly Heritage Ottawa Newsletter presents interesting articles about local heritage structures and related matters.
Our book publications provide in-depth insight into Ottawa’s special places.
Heritage Ottawa provides support for heritage research and publication through the Gordon Cullingham Research and Publication Grant.
Our website presents details of ongoing Heritage Ottawa events including our annual Lecture and Walking Tour programs, current Advocacy activities, heritage-related News, and links to municipal and other heritage resources. We encourage you to explore our website and to join us soon at a Heritage Ottawa event.
You can Stay Connected by receiving periodic notices and news alerts, and by following us on Facebook and Twitter.