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Ottawa councillors Wednesday unanimously endorsed a heritage designation for the former Champlain Oil gas station on the southwest corner of Island Park Drive and Richmond Road.

The cottage-like building was granted heritage status based on its architecture, location and historical value.

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The structure served as a gas station while motor vehicles were in their growth period. Initially owned by Benzolene in 1934, the station was sold to Champlain Oil Products in 1937 for $1.

The company operated a chain of gas stations throughout Montreal and Ottawa during the 1930s and ’40s and was owned by former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s father, Charles Emile Trudeau.

The gas station was eventually sold and reborn as a used car lot before shutting its doors for good in August 2014.

Photo by Google Street View

Architecture trends at the time of the its construction in 1934 suggested that these gas stations should resemble their surroundings. With its steeply pitched gable roof, its round arched doors and windows, and twin chimneys, the building was designed to resemble what the heritage planners call an English cottage.

The heritage designation applies only to the building’s exterior and location, so the interior could be changed. If the owner wanted to move it within the lot, council approval would be required.

mpearson@ottawacitizen.com

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