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Canada Standard
4 days ago
- General
- Canada Standard
Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District
Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century. May 30, 2025 Ottawa, ON Parks Canada Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District at a special plaque unveiling ceremony. National historic designations illustrate the persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and this country. Located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers, this residential district covers an estimated area of 1.77 km2. Known to the Anishinbeg as Kishkbik , Rockcliffe Park is part of an important historical area where Indigenous people have lived, gathered, harvested, and traded for millennia. Following European settlement, this neighbourhood district was designed and laid out in 1864 by Thomas Coltrin Keefer, as part of Thomas MacKay's large estate purchased in the 1830s. Rockcliffe Park is an excellent example of the picturesque English and American suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19th century. The varied, high-quality architecture was the work of renowned architects, who promoted the use of a variety of styles such as Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne. Amalgamated with the City of Ottawa in 2001, Rockcliffe Park retains a high degree of integrity and many of the key elements associated with its original design. The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding of and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: -30-


Cision Canada
4 days ago
- General
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District Français
Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19 th century. OTTAWA, ON, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Mona Fortier, on behalf of the minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, commemorated the national historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District at a special plaque unveiling ceremony. National historic designations illustrate the persons, places, and events that have marked history in Canada. Together, they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and this country. Located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau Rivers, this residential district covers an estimated area of 1.77 km 2. Known to the Anishinābeg as Kishkābikā, Rockcliffe Park is part of an important historical area where Indigenous people have lived, gathered, harvested, and traded for millennia. Following European settlement, this neighbourhood district was designed and laid out in 1864 by Thomas Coltrin Keefer, as part of Thomas MacKay's large estate purchased in the 1830s. Rockcliffe Park is an excellent example of the picturesque English and American suburban planning traditions of the second half of the 19 th century. The varied, high-quality architecture was the work of renowned architects, who promoted the use of a variety of styles such as Tudor, Georgian, and Queen Anne. Amalgamated with the City of Ottawa in 2001, Rockcliffe Park retains a high degree of integrity and many of the key elements associated with its original design. The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding of and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present. The designation process under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely driven by public nominations. To nominate a person, place or historic event in your community, please visit the Parks Canada website for more information: Quotes "Today's designation of Rockcliffe Park Historic District as a site of national historic significance reminds us that historic neighbourhoods are part of the urban fabric of Canada, including ones that were carefully designed in the 19 th century. Historic suburbs such as this, hold a landscape's memories and continue to reflect the presence of the communities that have shaped them. Recognizing this place as a national historic site honours the efforts communities make to maintain and preserve the places where they live, and ensures that the layers of history, that are a part of every neighbourhood, are not forgotten." The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages "Rockcliffe Park is a cherished gem in our community, embodying both natural beauty and the rich historical significance of its built heritage. By valuing and preserving these elements, designations like this one enable us to honour the past, celebrate our shared heritage, and reflect a commitment to preserving these special places for all." The Honourable Mona Fortier Member of Parliament for Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester Quick Facts Artefacts found along the Ottawa River indicate that people from many Indigenous nations passed through this crossroads, which was part of a complex communication and transportation network that spanned North America. Since 1864, the Village of Rockcliffe Park has been and remains a predominantly single-family residential community. The neighbourhood was planned to provide housing for future civil servants moving to Ottawa, which became the capital of the Province of Canada in 1866 and of the new Dominion of Canada in 1867 and continues to provide an inviting environment for many of Ottawa's diplomatic missions. Private residences of national significance and several embassies can be found in the neighbourhood. Built in 1959 on Lansdowne Road North, Hart Massey House is an iconic example of mid-20 th -century modern residential architecture in Canada. Hart Massey House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 2018. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the minister responsible for Parks Canada on the national significance of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. To date, more than 2,270 designations have been made nationwide. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration and these important stories are shared with Canadians. Parks Canada is committed to working with Canadians in our efforts to tell broader, more inclusive stories in the places that it manages. In support of this goal, the Framework for History and Commemoration outlines a comprehensive and engaging approach to sharing Canada's history through diverse perspectives. Related Links Parks Canada Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)


Canada Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Canada Standard
The Government of Canada recognizes the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District in Ottawa, Ontario. Located northeast of downtown Ottawa, this district is an example of suburban planning traditions of the late 19th century
Canada News Centre 28 May 2025, 20:30 GMT+10 May 28, 2025 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, will participate in a Parks Canada and Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque unveiling ceremony to commemorate the historic significance of Rockcliffe Park Historic District. The Honourable Mona Fortier will attend this event on behalf of the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. Please note that this advisory is subject to change without notice. The details are as follows: Date: Friday, May 30, 2025 Time: Ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) Media are asked to arrive at 10:45 a.m. Location: The Jubilee Garden in Village Green Park 270 Springfield Rd, Rockcliffe Park, ON, K1M 0K8 Members of the media can RSVP by contacting Kelsey Bowles. -30-


Ottawa Citizen
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Kiweki Point: Official unveiling of an Ottawa jewel
Kiweki Point has officially reopened as a reimagined public space in downtown Ottawa, blending Indigenous culture with nature at the junction of the Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau rivers. Article content Article content The $45-million redevelopment was partially funded through the $228.6 million allocated to the National Capital Commission by the federal government between 2018 and 2023. Work began in 2019. Article content Article content The project was celebrated with an opening ceremony attended by Ottawa-area MPs Mona Fortier and Yasir Naqvi, Indigenous elders, NCC CEO Tobi Nussbaum, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and representatives of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. Article content Article content Stakeholders and community members gathered behind the National Gallery of Canada for the unveiling of the renewed site once known as Nepean Point. Article content Fortier, the MP for Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester, described the project as 'an important step on the path of reconciliation.' Article content 'By thoughtfully incorporating Indigenous voices into its design and interpretation, this site fosters understanding, healing and mutual respect. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a one-time event, but a lasting commitment,' she said. Article content Merv Sarazin, a council member with the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, said the reimagined space reflected years of collective work. Article content 'We acknowledge the hard work and collaboration that brought this vision to life. We honour those who contribute their time, knowledge and resources,' Sarazin said. 'May the space serve as a place of learning, gathering and reflection.' Article content Article content Indigenous symbolism was incorporated throughout the development, including extensive collaboration with the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nations and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg. Article content 'At the heart of this transformation is the wisdom, generosity and leadership of the Algonquin Nation,' said Norm Odjick, director general of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. 'Our many voices have guided every step of this process, and this space stands as a reflection of our culture, stories and enduring presence.' Article content One of the most prominent symbolic changes has been the repositioning of the Anishinaabe scout from the 1915 Samuel de Champlain statue. Originally depicted kneeling, the figure has been returned to the site standing upright. Article content 'We have brought the scout back to the site in his rightful role as guide and knowledge keeper, with the name befitting that role, Kichi Zìbì Innini, the Great River Man,' Nussbaum said. 'His presence restores balance, representing Indigenous identity and strength.'


Ottawa Citizen
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Mona Fortier ahead in Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester
Article content Liberal Mona Fortier has a commanding lead in early results from the riding of Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester. Article content Article content With 8 per cent of polls reporting, she led with 69 per cent of the vote. Her closest opponent, Conservative Dean Wythe had 21 per cent. Article content The NDP's Tristan Oliff had 6 per cent of the vote and Green candidate Christian Proulx had 2 per cent. Article content When polls closed, volunteers began arriving at Fortier's election-night party at the Lowertown Brewery in the ByWard Market. As results started to trickle in, volunteers sipped pints of beer and watched on big screens. Some were confident in the Liberal Party's chances, but others waited nervously. Article content Article content Article content The seat has been considered a safe Liberal seat, even after the riding boundaries were redrawn to include some suburban neighbourhoods. The riding's predecessor, Ottawa—Vanier, never elected a Conservative to Parliament since its inception in 1935 when it was called Ottawa East. Article content Fortier was first elected in a 2017 byelection after the death of longtime MP Mauril Bélanger. During the nomination race to run for the Liberals in that byelection, she beat 11 other candidates. When she won her seat, Fortier became the first woman to represent the riding. Article content Before she was elected, she was the chief director of communications and market development for Collège la Cité. Fortier also managed her own communications consulting firm. Article content Article content She was re-elected in 2019 and chosen by then prime minister Justin Trudeau to serve as minister of middle-class prosperity. She was also re-elected in 2021 and became Treasury Board president shortly after. Article content Fortier was then shuffled out of that portfolio a few months after a public sector strike that saw more than 100,000 federal employees walk off the job. In 2024, she became chief government whip, a position she lost when Mark Carney became prime minister in March. Article content Article content Ottawa—Vanier—Gloucester's riding boundaries have significantly changed since the last election in 2021 due to population shifts over the past decade. The 2025 election was the first under the new name and the first to include the east-end community of Blackburn Hamlet.