Ottawa

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Champlain Sea 1

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First camp by By

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View of Parliament Hill and Chaudière Falls. "City of Ottawa, Canada West", ca. 1859, by Stent and Laver.

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Lebreton Flats after 1900 fire

Ottawa Old Post Office Confederation Square

VEDaySparksStreet1945

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the eastern portion of the province of Ontario. It stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River, directly across from Gatineau, Quebec. As of the 2021 Canadian census, Ottawa had a population of over one million, making it the fourth-largest city in Canada, as well as the second-largest city in Ontario after Toronto. The city is known for its high standard of living, clean environment, and low unemployment rate.

History

The area that is now Ottawa was originally inhabited by the Algonquin people, who called the river Kichi Sibi or Kichissippi meaning "Great River". European exploration of the area began in the early 17th century with the arrival of French explorers, and the first permanent European settlement was established in 1800 by Philemon Wright at the portage to the Chaudière Falls. The city's modern foundation was laid in 1826 when Lieutenant-Colonel John By of the Royal Engineers oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal as a strategic waterway connecting Kingston on Lake Ontario to Ottawa, then called Bytown, and further to Montreal, Quebec.

Ottawa was chosen as the capital of the Province of Canada in 1857 by Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, owing to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau rivers, and its distance from the United States border. Following Confederation in 1867, Ottawa remained the capital of the newly formed Dominion of Canada.

Geography

Ottawa is situated in the Ottawa Valley on the eastern edge of the province of Ontario. It lies at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. The city's topography is characterized by rolling hills and a flat plain. The Ottawa River forms the northern boundary of the city, which separates it from Quebec. The climate of Ottawa is classified as humid continental, featuring warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Government

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is the seat of the federal government. The city is home to Parliament Hill, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada, and numerous federal departments and agencies. The municipal government of Ottawa is led by a mayor and a city council. The city is also represented at the provincial level by Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and at the federal level by Members of Parliament (MPs).

Economy

Ottawa's economy is largely driven by the public sector, with the federal government being the city's largest employer. However, the city has also seen significant growth in the high-tech industry, earning it the nickname "Silicon Valley North". Other major sectors include health services, education, and tourism.

Culture

Ottawa is a culturally rich city, hosting numerous festivals, museums, and galleries. The National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History are among the most notable cultural institutions. The city is also known for the Ottawa International Animation Festival and Winterlude, a large winter festival held annually. Ottawa's diverse culinary scene reflects its multicultural population.

Education

The city is home to several post-secondary institutions, including the University of Ottawa, the largest bilingual (English-French) university in the world, and Carleton University. Additionally, Algonquin College and La Cité collégiale offer a wide range of programs in various fields.

Transportation

Ottawa is served by the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, several major highways, and a public transit system that includes buses and the O-Train light rail system. The city also promotes cycling and walking, with numerous bike paths and pedestrian zones.

See Also

• History of Ottawa
• Geography of Ottawa
• Economy of Ottawa
• Culture of Ottawa
• Education in Ottawa
• Transportation in Ottawa