Canada Day In The Nation's Capital

Today is Canada Day, and particularly the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians! If you haven't already seen it, check out my City Daily Photo theme day post for July, and have a look at my writer's blog for my other Canada Day tribute.

I thought I'd take you for a stroll around the Parliamentary precinct. I took most of these shots on a single day earlier in June. A stage was being erected on the front lawn before Centre Block at the time, one that will be a focal point for today's activities.

It had been awhile since I had last taken in this perspective, photographing the Peace Tower from an arched entrance at the East Block.

Another arched entry features here. This one is on the east side of Centre Block, and is used by senators.

Walking along the path behind Centre Block, this view looks across to Major's Hill Park, the National Gallery, and Notre Dame.

This one offers views of the Ottawa River, Gatineau, and Nepean Point where the Alexandra Bridge crosses. I'll be going over that bridge today to pay a visit to the Museum of History, one of several stops today.

The path behind Centre Block was open further this time than the last time I visited up here. As part of the work around Parliament Hill in terms of renovation and restoration, this area has been closed off for awhile. Public access presently ends here at the summer pavilion. You can see some of the work site infrastructure on the other side of it.

This bell rests close by. It was taken from the ruins of the original Centre Block when that building was destroyed by fire in 1916. The Library of Parliament, visible in the background of this shot, was the only part of that block to survive the fire, thanks to the timely closing of a heavy door by a clerk.

Coming back around, I paused by the main entrance at the base of the Peace Tower.

This gives another perspective of the stage.

This building, across the street from Parliament Hill, once housed the American Embassy. 

This shot from June 21st shows the same building soon after an announcement was made. On what is National Aboriginal Day, Prime Minister Trudeau announced here that the building is going to become an national indigenous centre, set to open by 2023. It will be quite a challenge to convert the building to such a new use while retaining its look, but an interesting idea. It stands in the heart of the Parliamentary precinct, in a place that promises, over time and careful work, to continue the path of reconciliation.

Heading down Wellington Street, I paused by the Wellington Building, another government building. The seal of the country is engraved in its side.

We Canadians have a reputation for being humble and self deprecating. This sign outside a shop in the Byward Market reflects that.

And I finish for the day with flags, hanging in two office complexes downtown, taken in the last few days. I shall be exceedingly busy here, so have a wonderful Canada Day!