OTTAWA - It's Canada's largest birthday party, and for the first time in more than four decades, it will be held at a new venue.
Canadian Heritage has confirmed to 1310 NEWS that there will not be a stage on Parliament Hill on July 1, due to Centre Block renovations. One will be erected in Major's Hill Park instead, with the Château Laurier as its backdrop.
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson understands that to some, the move will be a disappointment.
"Having the Canada Day celebrations shift over to Major’s Hill Park is obviously a big challenge, and to some visitors it will be a let down because the most spectacular backdrop, obviously, is Parliament Hill."
Major renovations are underway at Centre Block, although part of Parliament's lawn is still expected to be open for visitors throughout the day.
Heritage spokesperson Amélie Desmarais says they are working with Public Services and Procurement Canada to ensure that Parliament Hill remains an iconic site on July 1.
Watson is hoping for the Peace Tower backdrop to make its return by 2021, by way of an artistic technique known as 'trompe-l'oeil'
"Instead of having scaffolding up at the Peace Tower, we have a replica of the Peace Tower, they did it in jurisdictions around the world and my hope is that can come about," explains the mayor.
The full Canada Day entertainment lineup will be announced later this year.
- OttawaMatters.com/Rogers Media
