A Vision for a New Hotel
In the heart of downtown Ottawa, a city steeped in history and politics, stands the Lord Elgin Hotel. This iconic hotel is a demonstration of Canadian elegance and sophistication.
This beloved landmark, with its 355 guest rooms and four suites, has been a staple of the city’s hospitality scene since the early 1940s. It has played host to countless visitors, including politicians, business leaders, and ordinary Canadians.
Conception and Construction: A Vision Takes Shape
The Lord Elgin’s story begins in the midst of World War II, a time of great turmoil and upheaval. In May 1940, Ottawa was abuzz with activity. Military personnel, government officials, and equipment suppliers from across Canada poured into the city to support the war effort.
Amidst this chaos, a vision for a new hotel began to take shape.
On May 3, 1940, Mackenzie King, Canada’s wartime prime minister, met with two key individuals. They were John C. “Jack” Udd, the president of the Ford Hotels Company, and Redverse Pratt.
Pratt was the manager of the city’s hotel sub-committee, which was headed by alderman Chester Pickering.
The group had been working hard to secure a major new hotel for Ottawa. This new hotel was badly needed to accommodate the military personnel converging daily on the wartime capital.
A Grand Vision: The Hotel’s Design
King had a clear vision for the hotel. He was not interested in a standard, boxy, brick-faced Ford Hotel with its uninspired architecture and cheap construction materials. Instead, King wanted a hotel that would fit into a larger vision for the city.
This vision was outlined in Jacques Gréber’s plan for the development of the capital, a plan that emphasized beauty and elegance.
“I gave them to understand that the government would probably consider favourably the erection of a first-class hotel in that locality, providing it fitted into Gréber’s plan for development,” King recounted in his diary.
“The company is now prepared to erect a hotel as fine in appearance as the Mount Royal in Montreal.”
A Name for the Hotel: A Debate
As the hotel’s construction progressed, the question of what to name it became a topic of debate. There were many suggestions, including The Kingsford, The Tweedsmuir, and The Winston Churchill.
However, it was not until November 12, 1940, that the name “The Lord Elgin” was finally chosen.
The Lord Elgin: A Fitting Tribute
Lord Elgin, the 8th Earl of Elgin, was a Scottish nobleman who served as Governor General of Canada from 1847 to 1854.
He played a significant role in Canadian history. His contributions were particularly notable in the development of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the establishment of responsible government.
A Grand Opening: A Moment of Triumph
On July 19, 1941, the Lord Elgin Hotel officially opened its doors. This marked a significant milestone in the city’s history.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries and officials from across Canada, was a moment of triumph for King and Udd.
The War Years: A City in Flux
The hotel’s grand opening was not without its challenges. The war was still raging, and the city was feeling the strain.
The hotel’s construction had been delayed due to the war effort, and many of its employees were serving overseas.
A Legacy of Elegance
Despite these challenges, the Lord Elgin Hotel quickly became a popular landmark in Ottawa. Its elegant design, luxurious amenities, and prime location made it a popular destination for visitors from across Canada.
Renovations and Restorations
In the 1970s and 1980s, the hotel underwent significant renovations, including the addition of new rooms and amenities.
Regardless of these changes, the hotel’s elegant design and luxurious atmosphere were preserved.
A Mysterious Statuette: The Story of Wolfie
In 2012, a mysterious statuette of General James Wolfe was left in a washroom at the hotel. A note was included with the statuette, explaining that it had been stolen in the 1950s and was being returned.
The statuette was nicknamed “Wolfie.” It was a bronze sculpture created by English artist Vernon March in 1909.
Preserving Our Cultural Heritage
The Lord Elgin Hotel’s history is a fascinating tale of vision, determination, and elegance. From its conception in 1940 to its grand opening in 1941, the hotel’s story is a remarkable one.
The hotel’s development was a significant achievement that showcased the power of human creativity. The Lord Elgin Hotel’s story also demonstrates the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. As we celebrate the hotel’s enduring legacy, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
We are also reminded of the need to honour the visionaries who have shaped our country’s history.
Conclusion: A History Worth Celebrating
The Lord Elgin Hotel is a true Canadian treasure. It is a symbol of elegance and sophistication that continues to inspire and delight visitors from across the country.
The hotel’s enduring tradition is a remarkable achievement. It is a tribute to the vision and determination of Mackenzie King and John C. “Jack” Udd.
The hotel also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The power of human creativity and perseverance is evident in the hotel’s enduring presence.
The Lord Elgin Hotel remains a significant landmark in Ottawa, and its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
