Beside prime ministers and Fathers of Confederation, several prominent politicians lived in Sandy Hill, in part because of its proximity to Parliament Hill, in part because several of their colleagues were neighbours. Of the five featured here, Scott lived three blocks from his leader Sir Wilfrid Laurier, while Ernest Lapointe, King’s Quebec lieutenant, was only a half-block away from King’s home (and principal office) at Laurier House.
Sir Richard William Scott
Sir Richard William Scott 1825-1913 A former mayor of Bytown, Scott was elected in 1857 to the provincial legislature and gave much of his time to promoting Ottawa as Canada’s future capital. Six cities... Read More
Sir Frederick Borden
Sir Frederick Borden 1847 – 1917 A medical doctor, successful businessman, politician and philanthropist, Borden served as minister of militia and defense for 15 years in the Laurier government. Borden was first elected to... Read More
Hon. Cairine Wilson
Hon. Cairine Wilson 1885-1962 Wilson (née Mackay) was Canada’s first female senator. She was the first woman to chair a Senate Standing Committee, presiding over the Public Works and Grounds Committee from 1930 to... Read More
Ernest Lapointe
Ernest Lapointe 1876-1941 Lapointe helped King win the Liberal leadership in 1919 and subsequently served in several portfolios in King’s cabinets. He advocated successfully for greater Canadian autonomy within the British empire, promoted bilingualism... Read More
Thomas (“Tommy”) Clement Douglas
Thomas (“Tommy”) Clement Douglas 1904-1986 A preacher, a former premier of Saskatchewan (1944-1961), the father of Canadian medicare, Douglas was leader of the New Democratic Party between August 1961 and April 1971. He is... Read More
Ed Broadbent
(1936 – ) Ed Broadbent was the leader of the New Democratic Party between 1975 and 1989. Broadbent lived with his wife Lucille at 450 Laurier Ave. E. between 1980 and 1992, leading the... Read More
Napoléon-Antoine Belcourt
1860 – 1932 A lawyer and politician, Belcourt was an ardent defender of French Canadian rights who spearheaded the legal fight against Regulation 17 in Ontario. Belcourt lived at several addresses in Sandy Hill during... Read More