Our Heritage

Above all else, Joseph Letellier was a fighter. The plucky shoemaker from Levis, Que, opened his first shoe store in Hull in 1897. In 1900, Joseph – like hundreds of other who lost their livelihoods in the terrible blaze that destroyed both Ottawa’s and Hull’s commercial cores – picked up the pieces and started over.

The new store was built in Ottawa, at the busy corner of Sussex Drive and Rideau Street. And when fire struck that location too, 13 years later, Joseph persevered. This time, he moved next door to the old Union station on Rideau Street and son Ernest joined him in the business. It was renamed J.E. Letellier Ltee. at this point, in Ernest’s honor. The most expensive shoes of the day were all-leather and cost $10.95.

The Letelliers were committed to offering a wide range of quality footwear to their Ottawa and area customers, and the friendly, personal service they provided has become a family tradition. Grandsons Roger and Marc joined the firm in 1936 and 1946, and they became full partners when their father, Ernest died in 1963.

In 1966 the store moved to its present location at 142 – 146 Rideau Street. The fifth generation of the Letellier family is now following in their forefather’s footsteps. Simon Letellier, son of Jean Letellier, has joined the family business and they are proud to offer old-fashioned service and an excellent selection of modern styles in a thoroughly modern setting.

Letellier now has 11 staff members with over 130 years of combined experience. Having just completed renovations and expansion, the store now boasts a 2500 square foot sales floor. Letellier offers the latest brands and styles to fit any lifestyle, with quality service and fittings in one of the most comfortable environments in the city.