History and Heritage of the Pumphouse

Indigenous History: From time immemorial – Present

Chats Falls, Ottawa River, Charles Ramus Forrest, 1822, National Gallery of Canada Few factors have influenced the development of Ottawa more than its namesake river, the Ottawa River, or the Kichi Sibi (“Great River”). Historically an important trade highway, it has heritage value derived from its traditional use by the Algonquin Anishinabe and other Indigenous peoples, for its natural and geological history, and for the early settlement of Hull and Bytown, and the industrial and then recreational development along its shores."

Hintonburg History

• The Hintonburg Pumphouse ruin is located at
  5 Onigam St
  a 1980s image of the pumphouse from the east showing it just before it burned

  reet near the Lemieux Island Water Treatment Facility.
• The former Hintonburg Heritage Pumping
  Station was constructed in 1899 along the Ottawa River and Lemieux Island. Originally it was a one and a half story cut limestone structure with a gable roof and an open verandah.

a photo of the historic pumphouse as a residence with lawns and gardens

• In 1932 it was decommissioned and converted into a residence and gatehouse to the new plant on Lemieux Island.
  a image of the pumphouse in flames as it burned on May 8, 1989

• In August 1987 the historic pumping station/residence was designated under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act after restoration work to promote the reuse of the property.
• Then, in 1989, the building was severely damaged by a fire, and it has remained in ruins since then.
• Currently it is fenced off from public access and has been exposed to elements which have worsened the stability of the structure.
  an undated photo of pumphouse soon after it burnt and surrounded by chain link fence