Once upon a roof...

The second half of the 19th Century brought a wide variety of architectural styles to Canada. Architects were inspired by various historical periods, such as the Medieval Period and the Italian Renaissance, borrowing motifs and combining them to, in the end, create their own styles. Their plans were published in catalogues and distributed across Canada.

With the evolution of techniques and equipment, forms gained in complexity and the aesthetics of the exterior took on greater importance. Roofs, porches and windows were adorned. The street became a theatre.