Lisgar Collegiate Institute, Ottawa’s first high school, has occupied its prime downtown location alongside the Rideau Canal since 1874. The Gothic revival building, constructed of limestone, was extended several times, and underwent extensive renovations in the 1970s. It has many distinct architectural features, including an impressive 660-seat auditorium (which maintains much of its original character) and an attic that was used by students as a shooting range during the Second World War. To mark the school’s 175th anniversary in 2018, Lisgar's alumni association held a major reunion that included a popular and extensively researched architectural tour led by alumnus David Jeanes, then-President of Heritage Ottawa. It was subsequently turned into a 77-minute, 11-part video tour – available online (introduction shown below). To add to your Digital Doors Open experience, the school's history book, yearbooks and the Athletic Wall of Fame can also be explored here.