Most underrated or underappreciated landmark in each city

[ScreamingViking]

Another one in Hamilton that deserves to be noted is the former head office of Westinghouse Canada, built in 1917 with two floors added in 1928. This sat vacant for years, but finally got some love in recent years for use as offices and an event centre. Interior design elements were restored, and it now looks like it would be a snazzy place to work.

It's just off a main street (Barton) that used to be one of the city's major commercial/retail corridors, but as industry withered in the 1980s and '90s it did too... and this building largely went out of sight and mind for many. Parts of the street are revitalizing though, and this restoration will definitely help that along.


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[J.OT13]

Ottawa's former Normal School on Elgin Street, built in 1874, and served as such until 1978. Supposedly haunted, according to some eye witness accounts and the Ottawa Haunted Walk. Not nearly as nice as London's IMO, still an impressive structure. It's now part of City Hall and houses the offices of the Mayor and Council, along with meeting rooms.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ottawa_Normal_School

[someone123]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

Another one in Hamilton that deserves to be noted is the former head office of Westinghouse Canada, built in 1917 with two floors added in 1928. This sat vacant for years, but finally got some love in recent years for use as offices and an event centre. Interior design elements were restored, and it now looks like it would be a snazzy place to work.

It is really great how many buildings like this in Hamilton have been restored in recent years. It used to seem like they were going to slowly crumble then get demolished one day.

For all of them some slumlord could have convincingly argued that they were not economically viable to keep around, and there are cities that would have allowed the demolition without asking questions.

[GreatTallNorth2]

Also have to throw in London's Old Courthouse at the Forks of the Thames, which was just sold to a developer.

[megadude]

The Paletta Mansion in Burlington is very overlooked by residents because it's not an obvious public space. It seems like either a private residence or strictly an event venue, which it also is.

It's a public park with a few trails running in and around the property, the lake and the creek running along side it. There's a few small structures on the property in addition to the actual mansion.

The couple times I have been there, I feel surprised that there aren't more people roaming around.



https://www.weddingwire.ca/mansion-w...ansion--e12937


https://www.tourismburlington.com/paletta-by-the-lake/

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by someone123

It is really great how many buildings like this in Hamilton have been restored in recent years. It used to seem like they were going to slowly crumble then get demolished one day.

For all of them some slumlord could have convincingly argued that they were not economically viable to keep around, and there are cities that would have allowed the demolition without asking questions.

Up until about 15-20 years ago that's exactly what usually happened in Hamilton, especially downtown where the "urban renewal" wave really washed over in a forceful way. Some blocks were completely leveled and became parking, and it's just been in the last few years we're finally seeing development happen on them.

It seems like older buildings that are tucked out of the way have been spared simply because they're not as visible. In some cases, there's been nothing to spur change for good or bad.

Demo on purpose and "by neglect" still happens, and there are many relic buildings in the city that have been unused for a long time with promises of being restored or incorporated into a larger development, but there's been a change of perspective on preservation. Some argue the city isn't doing enough, and they're probably right, but at least heritage is more respected now. There are developers who specialize in restoration that have done some really nice things, like that Westinghouse HQ building, smaller structures along King William street, others. We're also seeing former industrial buildings being converted to new uses, and there are still *lots* of those around town.

[ssiguy]

Originally Posted by GreatTallNorth2

Also have to throw in London's Old Courthouse at the Forks of the Thames, which was just sold to a developer.

She is a beauty. Very important history as well. It was the site of Canada's last public hanging..............the infamous Black Donnellys no less.

[kevinbottawa]

Originally Posted by JHikka

That's Prince's Gate.

You can see the statue in this picture: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ga_%281%29.JPG

Thanks. I thought that was a part of an old CIBC Building near St. Lawrence Market.

[megadude]

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington (some of it in Hamilton) is seriously overlooked, not only by the region but by city residents. It's split into various spots within a 10 minute drive and has a lot going on. Claims to be Canada's largest Botanical Gardens. Not sure how it compares to Victoria's or if Victoria's is even considered a botanical garden. Maybe called something else? I don't know. I've seen pics of that one and I think it's safe to say it has more colour, but I don't know how appreciated it is by Van Islanders.

I've only been in the visitor centre once and gone to the closest trail a few times. Things for kids to do in there in the winter too. Petting a giant snake, feeding koi in the pond, big wooden playground, see model trains, feed the chickadees/woodpeckers/squirrels/chipmunks.




http://66-147-245-118.unifiedlayer.c...al-gardens-rbg


https://www.rbg.ca/gardens-trails/by...valley-trails/


https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/fe...s-by-hand.html


https://www.castconnex.com/projects/...visitor-centre


https://www.todocanada.ca/city/hamil...inter-wonders/


https://www.rbg.ca/things-to-do/by-s...inter-exhibit/


https://burlingtongazette.ca/royal-b...ally-tomorrow/


https://www.encirclephotos.com/image...milton-canada/


https://www.todocanada.ca/city/toron...train-display/


https://www.rbg.ca/gardens-trails/


https://dailyhive.com/toronto/winter...anical-gardens


https://www.tourismburlington.com/ea...ng-garden-rbg/


https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserR...n_Ontario.html


https://www.gonewiththefamily.com/20...ns-summer.html


https://www.gonewiththefamily.com/20...raditions.html


https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/61783826109541922/

[Good Baklava]

Only Crimean war monument in North America: Sebastopol monument, Halifax.



Source: Wikipedia Commons https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki...ia,_Canada.jpg

[Masoliantekw]

The city of Québec has many well-known landmarks, at least for french canadians, that are certainly not considered underrated :
Vieux-Québec, the old city walls and gates, the Citadelle, Price building, the parliament (Assemblée nationale) and Tourny fountain, château Frontenac, Price building, plains of Abraham, Montmorency falls, terrasse Dufferin, the Concord, maybe even the Marie-Guyart building (tallest skyscraper)...
Maybe some non-quebecois fellows here could help me point out which other landmark would be considered as underrated.

Maybe it is because I know the city too much, but I could not think of a great example, such as the Toronto Prince's Gate.

I thought that maybe the Wolfe-Montcalm monument could fulfill the requirements. It is located in the shadow of Château Frontenac and symbolizes the end of Nouvelle-France, and probably the beginning of Canada as we know it, yet even the citizens of Québec city barely know it.

Garden of the Governors by Diane Sullivan, sur Flickr, Wolfe and Montcalm Monument on Des Carrières Street, Quebec City, Quebec / Vue du monument Wolfe-Montcalm sur la rue Des Carrières, Québec (Québec) by Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, sur Flickr

I thought about the Orléans island bridge.Though this one will be replaced in the coming years.

Île d'Orléans Bridge, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada by Bencito the Traveller, sur Flickr, Radio-Canada

Maybe the old Séminaire / Université Laval, right up the walls. Its silhouette shapes many pictures of the city, and yet, very few tourists visit its inner courtyards. Founded in 1636 - that alone should make it a bigger landmark than what it actually is.

Petit séminaire de Québec by Gilles Belanger, sur Flickr, Université Laval by Shinono, sur Flickr

Maybe some pavillions of the MNBAQ (national fine arts museum of qc) should be better known. They represent what Québec does best: mixing new structures with old ones.

Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec by Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose, sur Flickr

My personal favourites would be the Monique-Corriveau library (former Saint-Denys-du-Plateau church), and caisse populaire Notre-Dame-du-Chemin in the neighbourhood of Montcalm. They are more local landmarks, or curiosities.

The beautiful Monique-Corriveau Library #modern #contemporary #architecture #building #design #library #beautiful #architect #exterior #inspiration #ZKParadigm #Malaysia #KualaLumpur by ZKH ZKH, sur Flickr, MonMontcalm.com

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by megadude

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington (some of it in Hamilton) is seriously overlooked, not only by the region but by city residents. It's split into various spots within a 10 minute drive and has a lot going on. Claims to be Canada's largest Botanical Gardens. Not sure how it compares to Victoria's or if Victoria's is even considered a botanical garden. Maybe called something else? I don't know. I've seen pics of that one and I think it's safe to say it has more colour, but I don't know how appreciated it is by Van Islanders.

The claim is probably based on the total area of natural lands the RBG manages, not just their flower gardens. Almost 1100 hectares in total, most of that within Hamilton.

The trails that run through much of those lands are actually quite popular. I can't imagine either city without them.

[megadude]

Those MNBAQ pavilions could be a candidate. I didn't think of going there when I was there three years ago. It's outside of Vieux Quebec and I think most(?) visitors stay within the historical parts?

[Masoliantekw]

Originally Posted by megadude

I think most(?) visitors stay within the historical parts?

You are right about that. Tourists venture a little bit along Grande-Allée / the Plains / the parliament, which all are outside the walls. Otherwise, they often go straight to Montmorency falls or Orléans island. Most parts of St-Roch, Montcalm, St-Sacrement, Limoilou and St-Sauveur are mostly frequented by locals.

[megadude]

Originally Posted by ScreamingViking

The claim is probably based on the total area of natural lands the RBG manages, not just their flower gardens. Almost 1100 hectares in total, most of that within Hamilton.

The trails that run through much of those lands are actually quite popular. I can't imagine either city without them.

Here's what I'm basing it on, though mind you, I only lived in Burlington for 1.5 years but have been in Oakville for the past 5.5 years. I'm basing it on the general feel I get on whether most city residents have been to their main city park. Now I didn't grow up in Burlington so I don't know if kids went on field trips to the RBG or not. I imagine they've been to the visitor centre, but everything else? Perhaps Hendrie Valley trail and the gardens across the street, but don't know about the rest. And do those kids go back as adults?

Even if it is popular to the area, I find it's not all that popular for the region as a whole. I don't expect masses of TO people to make the drive, but I think the majority of Peel Region and Oakville/Milton/Halton Hills people don't know what the RBG is. Not that I expect them to know it like everyone knows Canada's Wonderland, but I think it's a nice enough place to be on the radar of more people.

Examples:

Brampton: Gage Park and Ching Park. Everyone has been to these two parks. And by everyone I don't mean literally of course lol.

Markham: Toogood Pond.

Oakville: Bronte Creek PP.

Mississauga: Erindale Park.

West End TO: High Park.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by Masoliantekw

Maybe the old Séminaire / Université Laval, right up the walls. Its silhouette shapes many pictures of the city, and yet, very few tourists visit its inner courtyards. Founded in 1636 - that alone should make it a bigger landmark than what it actually is.

I've only visited once, in October 2019. We walked most of the wall (part of it was closed for construction work) starting at the St. John gate. The Citadel was impressive, but I recall the Séminaire and really liked that north part of the old city along Rue des Remparts. We did some detours up and down the side streets - very quiet, only a few people around (but it was a cold weekend) and we seemed to be the only "tourists" walking most of them. The homes and buildings are beautiful!

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by megadude

Here's what I'm basing it on, though mind you, I only lived in Burlington for 1.5 years but have been in Oakville for the past 5.5 years. I'm basing it on the general feel I get on whether most city residents have been to their main city park. Now I didn't grow up in Burlington so I don't know if kids went on field trips to the RBG or not. I imagine they've been to the visitor centre, but everything else? Perhaps Hendrie Valley trail and the gardens across the street, but don't know about the rest. And do those kids go back as adults?

Even if it is popular to the area, I find it's not all that popular for the region as a whole. I don't expect masses of TO people to make the drive, but I think the majority of Peel Region and Oakville/Milton/Halton Hills people don't know what the RBG is. Not that I expect them to know it like everyone knows Canada's Wonderland, but I think it's a nice enough place to be on the radar of more people.

On that basis, I'd consider the Bruce Trail to be underrated and underappreciated, all along its ~900 km length.

Many of the waterfalls along the escarpment have seen more and more visitors from outside the region, to the point of having big parking and congestion issues at some of the major ones: Webster's and Tews, Albion, some others that are fairly accessible by car. The city has had to set up a parking and shuttle service to mitigate that at Webster's Falls, and install fencing at several waterfalls to try and keep the dumb-asses from climbing down into the gorges and getting stuck or injured (or worse). I don't know if they're also discovering places like the RBG or waterfront parks in Hamilton... anecdotally, some speculate that the lockdowns of the past year have led to more people exploring beyond their hometowns.

[Rico Rommheim]

For me the West Block is the most under-appreciated building in Canada. It's fantastic.


The West Block (1865) of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario by Hans Raffelt, on Flickr

[MonkeyRonin]

I actually prefer the West Block to Centre Block. Better proportions, more austere.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Masoliantekw

My personal favourites would be the Monique-Corriveau library (former Saint-Denys-du-Plateau church), and caisse populaire Notre-Dame-du-Chemin in the neighbourhood of Montcalm. They are more local landmarks, or curiosities.

The beautiful Monique-Corriveau Library #modern #contemporary #architecture #building #design #library #beautiful #architect #exterior #inspiration #ZKParadigm #Malaysia #KualaLumpur by ZKH ZKH, sur Flickr, MonMontcalm.com

Quebec has its own Guggenheim?!