Briarcliffe: Modern Movement in Ottawa

Lecturer: Danielle Jones

In 1959 a group of forward-thinking acquaintances purchased 20 acres of land near the Ottawa River, intent on creating a small neighbourhood based on modernist ideals of architecture and harmony with nature. The result was Briarcliffe, an enclave of 23 unique homes set in a dramatic natural landscape. Today the neighbourhood is recognized as a “rare, intact example of the architecture and planning of the Modern Movement”. Earlier this year Ottawa City Council designated Briarcliffe, creating the first heritage district in Canada to recognize modernist architecture.

Danielle Jones is an artist and designer, modernist architecture buff, and Briarcliffe resident who spearheaded the community’s designation effort.