Frederick Preston Rubidge

Who was Frederick Preston Rubidge?

Frederick Preston Rubidge, was a surveyor and an architect. He was born in England and emigrated to Upper Canada around 1825 where he took his training.

Rubidge first qualified as a provincial surveyor in 1831 and completed important surveys over the next few years. In 1841, the Board of Works was formed and he was among the initial employees. Much of his work involved design for public buildings. He held the title of assistant engineer but became known as architect for the department. He had various roles associated with the parliament and department buildings in Ottawa. One of the more intriguing projects concerned Rideau Hall, the former home of Thomas McKay, and its conversion to the official residence of the governor general of Canada.

Rubidge was retired in 1872 at the age of sixty five. This unhappy event ended his public career.