Honouring the past: plaque celebrating the former Union du Canada building at 325 Dalhousie Street

As part of Ottawa’s celebration of Mois de la Francophonie, a new commemorative plaque was installed at 325 Dalhousie Street, honouring the rich francophone history of the ByWard Market and Lowertown. While the site is now home to the Andaz Hotel, it was once the Union du Canada Building, a cornerstone of the local community.  In close collaboration with the Lowertown Community Association, the City of Ottawa’s Heritage Planning Branch worked to design and install the plaque, in commemoration of the building’s history as a hub for vital services for francophones, as well as honouring the site's influence in Ottawa’s history and its role in supporting the community.  A legacy of community and support  The Union du Canada traces its roots back to 1863 when the Union Saint-Joseph d’Ottawa was founded as a cooperative movement to assist working-class francophone families. Initially providing health and life insurance, the organization grew to serve communities across Canada. By 1900, it was renamed Union Saint-Joseph du Canada to reflect its ever-expanding presence.  The Union du Canada Building was constructed between 1966 to 1967, designed by Louis J. LaPierre in close collaboration with Quebec artist Laure Major. The design was heavily-inspired by the Brutalist and International styles, featuring rhythmic undulating windows to complement the building’s eleven-storey exposed reinforced concrete and steel.   The Union du Canada Building served as the organization’s headquarters for decades until its closure in 2012. While no longer standing, the former building’s history remains a source of pride for the community.    A gathering to celebrate heritage   The plaque, installed on March 24th, 2025, commemorates the building’s legacy and its historical contributions to Lowertown and its francophone residents. Local residents, City staff and the Ward Councillor  gathered at 325 Dalhousie for the heritage plaque unveiling ceremony to honour the former building and the area’s vibrant history and culture not only to the city’s Lowertown neighbourhood, but also to the identity and rich cultural history of the nation’s capital as a whole.