After 1940

Becoming Part of Ottawa – Urban Development

Declining agricultural land use and shrinking populations in rural areas led the City of Ottawa to annex Billings Bridge in 1950. The City gained 14,665 acres of land. It also became responsible for the new ward’s healthcare, roads, and waste management. In contrast, Gloucester Township felt the loss of over 8000 residents and close to $5,000 in taxes.

After annexation, the once fertile land of Billings Bridge progressively turned into subdivisions. Campeau Corporation, whose president was from the area, created one of the first subdivisions of the 20^th Century that still survives, located around Kilborn Avenue. The post office was closed, and the building removed once the construction of Riverside Drive began.

The Billings Bridge Plaza, constructed in the 1950s, marked a definite shift from rural life to a more commercial one. The building not only moved people from the village streets to a single indoor venue, it also foreshadowed the decline of family-owned and locally operated businesses in the face of corporations.



TITLE Aerial photograph of the Billings Bridge area DATE ca.1928 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-010 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Estate and the Billings Bridge. Number 1926-99 is written on the lower left corner of the photo, which suggests the photo was taken in 1926; however, “May 14, 1928” is handwritten on the back.


TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge Area DATE ca.1928 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-011 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph, facing north, of land surrounding the Billings Estate and the Billings Bridge, east of bridge. Number 1926-100 is written on the lower left corner of the photo, which suggests the photo was taken in 1926; however, “May 14, 1928” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1945 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-001 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. “1945” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1949 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-003 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of the land surrounding Billings Bridge. The north bank of the bridge is oriented to the upper right.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1949 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-008 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph, facing north, of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. The Billings Estate is at the bottom right side of the bridge. “1949” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1952 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-009 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. “1952” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1968 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-004 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. “A2001-68” is written on the front of the photo, and “1968” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1973 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-007 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. “May ‘73” is handwritten on the back.



TITLE Aerial Photograph of the Billings Bridge and Surrounding Land DATE 1978 ITEM NUMBER MG162-02-002 DESCRIPTION Aerial photograph of land surrounding the Billings Bridge and the Billings Estate taken by Energy, Mines & Resources. “Energy, Mines Resources 1978” is handwritten on the back.

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