Laurier's efforts to beautify Ottawa recognized at 175th birthday celebrations

News Release

Plaques for four national historic sites in Ottawa unveiled

November 17, 2016 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency

At a celebration of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s 175^th birthday, Andrew Leslie, Member of Parliament for Orleans and Chief Government Whip, unveiled four commemorative plaques to recognize the national historic significance of the Central Chambers building, Confederation Square, the Connaught Building, and the Former Archives Building. Mr. Leslie unveiled these plaques on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.

When Sir Wilfrid Laurier arrived in Ottawa as Prime Minister, Canada’s capital was a frontier lumber town without piped water, paved streets, or sidewalks. Laurier, who had stated that Ottawa should become “the Washington of the North,” made beautifying the city part of his legacy. With the creation of the Ottawa Improvement Commission in 1899 (which today is known as the National Capital Commission), Laurier’s government initiated a federal agency that was mandated to planning an improved and more attractive city.

Today, residents and visitors to Ottawa can admire a modern and beautiful city with landmark sites that have a direct link to Laurier’s planning efforts. The Central Chambers building is a striking example of the Queen Anne Revival Style of architecture, while Confederation Square has opened up views of Parliament Hill and is an important ceremonial location of national remembrance. The Connaught Building was also part of Laurier’s vision for an architecturally coherent image for the capital and the Former Archives Building was built to house the first Canadian archives, reflecting the nation’s growing sense of Canadian identity.

Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up the rich tapestry of Canada’s cultural heritage and offer the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries. As we near the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our heritage.

Quotes

“I am very proud to recognize the Central Chambers building, Confederation Square, the Connaught Building, and the Former Archives Building as national historic sites that form an integral part of our country’s history. The construction of these historic buildings are stunning examples of Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s legacy in Ottawa. As we near the 150^th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, it is especially important to commemorate places like these as one way for Canadians to learn more about our rich heritage.”
- Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

“There is no doubt that Laurier was instrumental in helping Ottawa transform from a rugged lumber town into a beautiful capital city that showcases the best Canada has to offer. The fact that the Central Chambers building, Confederation Square, the Former Archives Building and the Connaught Building are today recognised as national historic sites demonstrates that Laurier’s vision for a world class capital city have been realized.”
- Honourable Andrew Leslie
Member of Parliament for Orleans and Chief Government Whip

Quick facts

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s first Prime Minister from French Canadian descent, was born on November 20^th, 1841. Parks Canada is proud to celebrate his 175^th birthday at Laurier House National Historic Site.
Find out more about Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s 175^th birthday weekend of free activities, November 19^th and 20^th, 2016, at Laurier House by visiting the website or contacting the site directly at 613-992-8142.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have marked Canada’s history.

Contacts

Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
bruce.macmillan@pc.gc.ca
613-923-5261. extension 122

Media Relations
Parks Canada
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca

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Hon. Catherine McKenna Parks Canada History and Archaeology

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2017-02-13

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