Champagne Bath, Public bath in Lower Town, Ottawa, Canada
Champagne Bath is a public bathing facility in Lower Town, Ottawa, combining Spanish Colonial Revival and Prairie architectural styles. The building at 321 King Edward Avenue features characteristic elements of both styles and was later repurposed as a fitness center.
The facility opened in 1924 as Ottawa's first municipal swimming pool, serving working-class residents who lacked home bathrooms. After major renovations in 1990, it transformed into a modern fitness center while maintaining its heritage structure.
The building reflects how public baths served working people who lacked bathroom access at home. It stands as a reminder of the community's commitment to public health and everyday cleanliness for all residents.
The location sits in Lower Town, an older neighborhood easily reached on foot or by public transit. Exploring the surrounding area is worthwhile, as nearby historic buildings and local shops add to the visit.
The original pool used salt water instead of chlorine, setting it apart from other public bathing facilities of that era. This choice reflected beliefs at the time about salt water's health benefits for swimmers.
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