Former Bank of Montreal Building

The Former Bank of Montreal Building is a wedge-shaped, stone, two-storey Beaux-Arts style commercial building constructed circa 1919 on a strategic location at the intersection of Main and King streets, in downtown Bathurst.

The Former Bank of Montreal Building is designated a Local Historic Place in recognition of the ongoing presence of the Bank of Montreal in Bathurst since the early 20th century, as well as for its location and architecture.

Since 1902, the Bank of Montreal, strategically located on the corner of the city’s two main arteries in the centre of Bathurst’s business sector, has supported the economic and commercial development of the entire region. The building, with its classical appearance and its façade overlooking the intersection, reinforces the commercial urban landscape of the city’s business sector and gives it an appearance of stability.

The Former Bank of Montreal Building is also recognized for its classical Beaux-Arts style of architecture, used mainly by banks in the early 20th century. This style is a good illustration of the character that bank buildings were meant to embody in the early 20th century. They were built in a style that evokes the strength, security, and prestige of such institutions with a view to inspiring confidence in their clientele.

Source: Bathurst Heritage Trust Commission Inc., “Former Bank of Montreal” file

The character-defining elements that describe the Former Bank of Montreal Building include:

- downtown location at a busy intersection;

- two-storey wedge-shaped plan that follows the layout of the lot created by the intersection;

- smooth stone façades;

- symmetry of the openings;

- balanced fenestration of rectangular windows with large stone sills;

- main façade with corner entrance at an angle to the intersection;

- main entrance with a triangular pediment supported by two Corinthian columns;

- stone Bank of Montreal coat of arms dominating the upper frieze of the main façade;

- wide dentilated cornice topped by a parapet camouflaging the flat roof.