View of the Chemical Radioactive Ores Building, showing the main entrance of steel and glass with polished black granite surrounds.
Photo: Agence Parcs Canada / Parks Canada Agency.
- Built
- 1955–1957
- Recognized
- 1997
- By
- Government of Canada
The register’s text, word for word
Description
The Chemical Radioactive Ores Building is part of a cohesive complex of modern offices and laboratories on Booth Street. The building, owned by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), has a U-shaped plan consisting of long, three and four-storey wings extending from a prominent vertical stair block. The clearly defined main entrance is located at a corner of the building. A pronounced horizontal emphasis, geometric volumes, glazed surfaces, broad expanses of brick and an absence of decorative elements characterize the building. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.
Heritage value
The Chemical Radioactive Ores Building is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values.
Historical Value:
The Chemical Radioactive Ores Building, as part of the NRCan complex of buildings, is a very good example of a structure associated with the post-Second World War exploration and mapping of Canada and with the development of the mining sector. The building also reflects the acceleration of mineral exploration and ore testing by the federal government. It is associated with the pioneering of many new techniques in the area of radioactivity, and with Arvid Thunaes and Dr. E. A. Brown, who advanced new approaches in the recovery of radioactive materials from ore samples. The building is currently used for laboratory research and administration.
Architectural Value:
Valued for its good aesthetics, the Chemical Radioactive Ores Building is an example of the International Style of architecture widely used by the federal government during the period of post-war expansion. The building has clean lines, a legible structure, an asymmetrically balanced composition, and a building form determined by functional requirements. Good craftsmanship and materials are evident at the entrance and in the interior finishes.
Environmental Value:
The Chemical Radioactive Ores Building reinforces its landscaped, campus-like setting and is a well-known local landmark.
SourceLeslie Maitland and Fern Graham, Chemical and Radioactive Ores Building (now Canmet), Geological Survey of Canada Building, Surveys and Mapping 555, 601 and 615 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Buildings Review Office, Report 92-043, 92-045a and 92-045b; Chemical and Radioactive Ores Building, 588 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement 92-043.
Character‑defining elements
The character-defining elements of the Chemical Radioactive Ores Building should be respected.
Its good aesthetic, good functional design and good quality materials and craftsmanship, for example:
-the asymmetrical, U-shaped massing with intersecting volumes and flat roofs;
-the steel frame construction and broad expanses of exterior brick veneer;
-the horizontal emphasis of the façades created by bands of aluminium-framed windows with prominent stone sills and projecting overhead brises-soleil;
-the main entrance of steel and glass with polished black granite surrounds;
-the interior finishes, including the terrazzo floors in the hallways, and linoleum, tile and terrazzo in the offices.
The manner in which the Chemical Radioactive Ores Building reinforces its landscaped, campus-like setting and is a prominent local landmark, as evidenced by:
-its massing, materials and design that harmonizes with its landscaped surroundings at the complex and complements adjacent buildings;
-its visibility and familiarity given its prominent location along Booth Street, and its use as federal offices.
End of the register’s text
Location
555 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
45.40228° N, 75.70611° W
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Nearby
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Ore Dressing Laboratory (550 Booth Street)within 100 m · 1937
EMR Complex: Fuel Testing Laboratorywithin 100 m · 1927
Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Building Awithin 100 m · 1942
Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Building Cwithin 100 m · 1942
Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Building B100 m · 1942
Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Building E100 m · 1942
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.