Embassy of the United States, Ottawa

The Embassy of the United States of America in Ottawa (French: Ambassade des États-Unis d'Amérique à Ottawa) is the diplomatic mission of the United States of America to Canada. It helps the two countries talk to each other and work together on important issues. The embassy was opened in 1999 and is located at 490 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, Ontario. This building is where American leaders meet with Canadian leaders to discuss things that matter to both nations, like trade, safety, and the environment. It is an important place for keeping strong and friendly relations between the United States and Canada.

Former chancery

Before 1999, the United States had its diplomatic office in a building from the 1930s at 100 Wellington Street, right across from Parliament Hill. This building, designed by Cass Gilbert in the Beaux-Arts style, started as a smaller office and later became a full embassy.

The old building on Wellington Street was too small and needed more space. Employees worked in eight different places in Ottawa, which caused safety problems. Planning for a new building took many years and was difficult. One idea was to build near Rockcliffe Park close to the Canada Aviation Museum, but some people did not like this because of safety and traffic worries. Today, the old building is called the Indigenous Peoples Space and honors the indigenous peoples of Canada.

New embassy

The new embassy is located on a small hill and parking lot on the western edge of the ByWard Market. In the past, the site had small homes and businesses, but the land was used by the government during World War II before becoming a parking lot.

Nearby places include Major's Hill Park, Parliament Hill, and the National Gallery of Canada. The building was designed by American architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to show the friendly relationship between the United States and Canada, like a bridge.

Inside, the embassy shows art from 59 artists from the United States. It was dedicated by President Bill Clinton on October 8, 1999, the first time a U.S. president had dedicated a new embassy. The building was featured in Doors Open Ottawa in 2012.

Controversy

Some local architects and citizens felt the building looked too big and like a battleship. They were also worried about safety after the September 11 attacks, which caused roads near the embassy to close and made it hard for nearby businesses.

Before the embassy was finished, there were worries about security. After bombings of U.S. embassies in 1998, some people thought it might not be safe to complete the new building, especially because one side had a lot of glass facing the street.
September 11 attacks • Sussex Drive • Bureau of Diplomatic Security • U.S. Department of State • 1998 embassy bombings