[2][3] The basilica is the oldest and largest church in Ottawa and the seat of the city's Roman Catholic archbishop.

Its twin spires and gilded Madonna are easily identifiable from nearby Parliament Hill and the surrounding area.

[5] Father Telmon decided to redesign the church into a Neo-Gothic structure, a style which was growing in popularity.

[9] Governor General Georges Vanier and Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier both were given state funerals at the cathedral.

"[10] "On Dec 18 1999 the most reverend Marcel A Gervais, Archbishop of Ottawa officially reopened Notre Dame Cathedral.

This historic restoration was made possible through the generous gifts of anonymous donors, the Canada Millenium partnership program, the Ontario Government and the friends of the Cathedral.

We also recognize the warm hospitality of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa who welcomed the community at the Chapel of their Mother House while the Cathedral was closed.

The interior of the church is brightly painted and decorated with carved features, exquisite stained glass windows and hundreds of statues of various religious figures.

one of the three outstanding instruments in the history of the Casavant firm, the others being the one in Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal (1890) and the one in St. Hyacinthe Cathedral (1885).

A second console, more modern, was installed in 1940 when a major renovation was undertaken and, in 1975, a revision of the electric action was carried out.

In 1999, Guilbault-Thérien carried out a major renovation, replacing the second console, and adding 7 more stops in order to achieve a better balance amongst the divisions while respecting the symphonic aesthetics of the instrument.