[3] The commission was formed in the year 1830 to oversea the infrastructural development of the Old Port of Montreal and was replaced by the National Harbours Board in 1936.

[4] The tower marks the entrance to the Old Port of Montreal and its erection was dedicated to the seamen who died in the First World War.

[4] It is a symbol of the port's economic contribution through grain exportation to the city of Montreal during the era of the Clock Tower's construction.

[1] In 1919, Edward, who was then Prince of Wales, began the construction by laying the first piece for the foundation of the Clock Tower.

[1] The role of the Old Port in relation to grain exportation and cargo was classified as second in North America during the Clock Tower's construction.

[1] In relation to maritime transportation, the Old Port of Montreal was used as an exit and entry point for seamen during the First World War.

[1] The FHBRO considers the Montreal Clock Tower to be architecturally aesthetic due to its Beaux-Arts style.

[9] The FHBRO notes that the Clock Tower's shape and decorative features adhere to the Beaux-Arts style and are also practical.

This building process made the Clock Tower light in weight and high in the quality of material used, allowing it to be supported by the wharf that it was built on without fault.

[1] The Clock Tower is made of concrete and is built on a square base, with each supporting corner at a different height on the ground.

[1] The FHBRO considers the sailor's memorial plaque, the granite placed by the Prince of Wales and the cannons featured at the entrance of the Clock Tower to be key architectural elements to be maintained.

[1] The FHBRO notes that the exterior of the Clock Tower also requires constant maintenance in order to preserve the architecturally aesthetic qualities of the landmark.

[1] In 2002, the Old Port of Montreal undertook major maintenance to the Clock Tower and installed a ventilation system and painted exposed steel surfaces.