in Ottawa: The Centennial Flame

According to the Government of Canada website the Centennial Flame in Ottawa is a major feature on the Parliament Hill grounds located inside the Queen’s Gate in front of the Peace Tower. It was originally built as a temporary monument. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson lit the flame for the first time on December 31, 1966, to open the celebrations of Canada's 100th anniversary of Confederation. Canadians loved the monument so much that it became a permanent feature. The Centennial Flame burns atop a fountain. Each side of the fountain has a bronze shield with the coat of arms of a province or territory. The year that the province or territory joined Canada is carved into the granite in front of the shield. The granite is also carved with the provincial or territorial floral emblem. The shields of the provinces and territories surround the flame to symbolize Canada's unity. To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the symbols of Nunavut were added to the Centennial Flame. In fall 2017, the monument was deconstructed and rebuilt to add a 13th side with Nunavut’s coat of arms, territorial flower, and the date it officially joined Confederation. The new structure was unveiled and the flame relit on December 13, 2017. Every day, visitors make wishes and toss their lucky coins into the fountain. This money is collected and helps to fund the Centennial Flame Research Award. The award helps pay for disability research and reporting.” These photos were taken in August 2022.