Do you know how Ottawa got to be the capital of Canada? It’s a pretty interesting story, and it involves some surprising twists and turns. Let me tell you all about it. 😊
Ottawa started out as a small trading and lumbering community called Bytown, founded by a guy named Philemon Wright in 1800. He was the first European to see the Chaudière Falls, which are pretty impressive, by the way. You should check them out if you ever visit Ottawa. 🌊
Bytown grew bigger and busier over the years, thanks to the construction of the Rideau Canal, which was a huge engineering project led by Colonel John By in 1826. The canal was built to connect the Ottawa River with Lake Ontario, and it was also a defensive measure against possible American attacks. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can skate on it in the winter. How cool is that? ⛸️
Bytown became a city in 1855 and changed its name to Ottawa, which comes from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning “to trade”. The Algonquin people were the original inhabitants of the area, and they used the river for trading, hunting, fishing, and other activities. They still live in the region today, and they have a rich culture and history that you can learn more about at the Canadian Museum of History. 🏛️
But how did Ottawa become the capital of Canada? Well, that’s where things get really interesting. You see, back then, Canada was not a country yet, but a province of the British Empire. And the province had two main parts: Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec). And they didn’t always get along very well. 😬
So when it came time to choose a capital for the province, there was a lot of debate and disagreement. Some people wanted Toronto, some wanted Montreal, some wanted Quebec City, and some wanted Kingston. But none of them could agree on one place. And then there was another problem: the Americans. They had already invaded Canada twice before, in 1775 and 1812, and they might do it again. So choosing a capital near the border was risky. 😨
That’s when Queen Victoria stepped in. She was the monarch of Britain and Canada at the time, and she had the final say on where the capital would be. She looked at a map of Canada and saw a little dot in between Upper and Lower Canada, far away from the border. She pointed at it and said: “That’s it. That’s the capital.” And that dot was Ottawa. 🙌
And that’s how Ottawa became the capital of Canada in 1857. Pretty amazing, right? And it stayed as the capital when Canada became a country in 1867, and it still is today. Ottawa has grown a lot since then, and it has become a beautiful and vibrant city with lots of attractions, events, and people from different backgrounds and cultures. It’s also home to some important buildings like Parliament Hill, where our government works, and Rideau Hall, where our governor general lives. You can visit both of them if you want to see how our democracy works. 🇨🇦
What was next?
So, that’s how Ottawa became the capital of Canada. But how has it changed over time since then? Well, let me tell you, Ottawa is a city that has a rich and fascinating history. It has grown and evolved a lot over the years, and it has many stories to tell. Here are some of the major events, developments, and achievements that have shaped Ottawa’s history, culture, and identity as a capital city:
- In 1867, Canada became a confederation, and Ottawa became the seat of the federal government. The Parliament Buildings were completed in 1876, and they are still the symbol of Canadian democracy and heritage. They have also witnessed some tragic events, such as the fire of 1916 that destroyed most of the Centre Block, and the shooting of 2014 that killed a soldier at the National War Memorial.
- In 1885, the Canadian Pacific Railway reached Ottawa, connecting it to the rest of the country and boosting its economy and population. Ottawa became a hub of trade, commerce, and industry, especially in lumber, textiles, and printing.
- In 1916, Ottawa became officially bilingual, recognizing both English and French as its official languages. This was a reflection of Ottawa’s location at the border of Ontario and Quebec, and its role as a mediator between the two provinces. Ottawa also became a home for many immigrants from different countries and cultures, adding to its diversity and multiculturalism.
- In 1939, Ottawa hosted King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on their first royal visit to Canada. This was a historic moment for Canada, as it marked its independence from Britain and its status as a sovereign nation. The royal couple also planted two sugar maple trees on Parliament Hill, which are still standing today.
- In 1959, Ottawa opened the National Arts Centre, which is Canada’s largest performing arts venue. It hosts many shows and events in music, theatre, dance, and comedy. It also supports Canadian artists and promotes Canadian culture. I love going to the NAC to watch some amazing performances. 😍
- In 1967, Ottawa celebrated Canada’s centennial with many festivities and projects. One of them was the creation of the Confederation Boulevard, which is a ceremonial route that links many important landmarks in Ottawa and Gatineau. It includes the Parliament Buildings, Rideau Hall, the Supreme Court of Canada, the National Gallery of Canada, and many more. It’s a great way to explore the city and learn about its history. 🚶♂️
- In 1982, Ottawa witnessed the patriation of the Constitution of Canada from Britain. This was a significant event for Canada, as it gave it full control over its own constitution and laws. It also included the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees many rights and freedoms for Canadians. The patriation ceremony was held on Parliament Hill, where Queen Elizabeth II signed the proclamation in front of thousands of people.
- In 1997, Ottawa merged with several surrounding municipalities to form the new City of Ottawa. This was done to improve efficiency and coordination of services and planning. The new city covers an area of 2,796 square kilometres (1,079 square miles), making it the fourth-largest city in Canada by area. It also has a population of about one million people (as of 2020), making it the sixth-largest city in Canada by population.
- In 2001, Ottawa hosted the first G20 summit in Canada. The G20 is a group of 20 major economies that meet regularly to discuss global issues and cooperation. The summit in Ottawa focused on topics such as terrorism, trade, development, and finance. It also attracted many protesters who voiced their concerns about globalization, inequality,
Final words
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about how Ottawa has changed over time since it became the capital of Canada. I think it’s a fascinating and beautiful city that has a lot to offer.
If you want to learn more about Ottawa, you can check out another article on this site called Living in Ottawa: Advantages and Disadvantages. It will give you some insights into what it’s like to live in this amazing city. And of course, the best way to experience Ottawa is to visit it in person. You won’t regret it. 😊
Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day. 🙌
