OTTAWA, ONTARIO, May 17, 2007--The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today launched a Parks Canada exhibit to complement the grand reopening celebration of the Bytown Museum, located along the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.
"Canada's New Government is pleased to partner with the Bytown Museum to create new exhibits that tell the story of the creation of the Rideau Canal," said Minister Baird. "This exhibit will help visitors understand the significance of this important time in the history of the great city of Ottawa and the country."
This interpretive exhibit was created through a $100,000 contribution from Canada's New Government, as part of the overall Rideau 175 program to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal. The exhibit illustrates the links between the Rideau Canal and the early years of Lt. Col. John By's military settlement at Bytown.
Through displays and artifacts, the exhibit brings to life the history of the canal - its construction, its role throughout history, and its importance - as a lasting symbol of turbulent times in Canadian history. The exhibit will be housed at the Bytown Museum, which is located within the original Commissariat Building built in 1827 as the treasury and storehouse for the canal builders.
The exhibit was unveiled at a grand reopening celebration held at the Bytown Museum to celebrate the museum's 90th anniversary. Minister Baird was joined by representatives from the City of Ottawa, the Government of Ontario, Parks Canada and the heritage community.
The Bytown Museum operates from the Commissariat Building under an agreement with Parks Canada. It is unique to Canada as the only museum that preserves and displays artifacts illustrating the overall history of Bytown/Ottawa, the nation's capital. The Bytown Museum brings the site of Ottawa Locks to life, telling the story of the early years of Bytown through guided tours, museum displays and special events.
"We are delighted to have this new addition to the exhibits at the Bytown Museum," said Christina Tessier, Director of the Bytown Museum. "This exhibit will help our visitors understand the important links between the Rideau Canal and early Bytown."
The Bytown Museum is working in partnership with Parks Canada throughout 2007 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Rideau Canal. A similar display has been launched at the Rideau Canal Museum in Smiths Falls, with additional exhibits to be launched at Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston and the Merrickville Blockhouse Museum.
Information:
Pam Buell
Communications Manager
Eastern Ontario
Parks Canada
613-283-7199 x 219
