Montréal’s first courthouse was built in 1800–1802. It housed the city’s judicial activities until it was destroyed by fire in 1844.

But as early as the beginning of the 1840s, criticism of the facilities was already mounting: the building was run-down, too small and no longer met the justice system’s growing needs. What future awaited this place in a city—and a capital—where justice was taking on ever greater importance?

Approval for the courthouse’s redevelopment was finally granted on July 8, 1844—but barely ten days later, in a stroke of terrible luck, the building burned down. The renovation project went up in smoke along with the courthouse.

The fire at the courthouse broke out at a decisive moment: Montréal had become the colony’s capital and the seat of government. With a future “parliamentary precinct” in mind, a new courthouse worthy of the name became essential…. Yet an architectural competition would not be launched until after Montréal’s status as capital had come to an end. While waiting for a permanent solution, the former prison building was renovated to provide space for the courts of justice.

The architectural competition was finally launched in 1849, but the results were not announced until 1850. Construction began in 1851, on the site you see here. In the meantime, court sessions were held… at the Château Ramezay, also known as the “Government House,” which had been vacated by the departure of the government departments.

The project for the new courthouse was entrusted to architects John Ostell and Henri-Maurice Perrault. Completed in 1857, the building stood out with its Greco-Roman style and Palladian touches.

But barely a few decades later, it was already too small. In 1890, major work got underway to add a full storey, along with a large dome housing the Bar’s library. Everything was completed in 1894.

Take a look at the site of the former courthouse today.