Edward Drake Building, Federal heritage building in Ottawa, Canada
The Edward Drake Building is a government structure in Ottawa featuring six floors of modern design from the 1960s. Its form follows straightforward architectural lines with functional interior spaces organized to serve federal office operations.
The building opened in 1964 and first housed the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before being repurposed for a different federal agency in 1997. This shift reflected changing priorities within the Canadian government regarding broadcasting and security operations.
The structure reflects how Canadian federal buildings of the 1960s approached modern office design with straightforward forms and practical layouts. Its appearance shows what government architects valued during that era in terms of functionality and clean design.
The building sits at the intersection of Riverside Drive, Heron Road, and Bronson Avenue, making it accessible from multiple street approaches. Note that this is an active government facility where access may be restricted, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The building received its current name in 2015 in honor of Edward Drake, who founded and led the federal agency that now operates there. This naming decision marked recognition of his foundational role in establishing Canadian government security operations.
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