Description of Historic Place

Canada House is a one-storey commercial building with ground-level storefronts. Originally a four storey hotel, this mid-19th century wooden structure is situated on a corner lot in the Historic Water Street Business District in the City of Miramichi.

Heritage Value

Canada House is designated a Local Historic Place for its association with former proprietors William Johnston, his son "Canada Jim" Johnston and Ben O’Reilley.

Canada House was built in 1866 for William Johnston. This hotel received its name in honour of Confederation, which occurred near the time of its construction. Originally four stories, Canada House became one of popular meeting places for local businessmen. This building also housed long term tenants who set up business here, such as doctors and dentists. Small shops were leased out as well. William’s son, “Canada Jim” Johnston, would follow in his father’s footsteps as proprietor. In 1933 a fire destroyed the upper levels of Canada House.

Canada House is also recognized for its association with long term owner, businessman and community leader, Ben O'Reilley. In 1939, he purchased the abandoned building and operated a lunch room diner that became a one-storey structure. It is still a fixture of the community and operates a lunch room diner called Ben’s.

Source: City of Miramichi, Heritage Office, Beaverbrook House, Site File #05-61

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements that describe the Canada House include:
- rectangular plan;
- wooden clapboard siding;
- half of the front façade offering three storefronts and sidewalk entrances to each;
- shed roof;
- wide fluted corner boards with capitals;
- large storefront window openings;
- painted in Canadian flag colours of red and white.