In 1852, the central pavilion of Laval University was the first building in Canada with a flat roof, and the highest in Quebec City. Owing to water infiltration, the roof was replaced with a mansard roof in 1875. The building was neoclassical in style, and fitted out with a ventilation system, central heating, hot and cold running water and gas lighting.

View of Quebec City showing the Pavillon Camille-Roy with a flat roof Archives nationales du Québec, P600, S6, D1, P.391