“Canadian Rock Icons The Guess Who to Headline Ottawa’s Bicentennial Festivities”

Canadian rock legends The Guess Who are set to headline Ottawa’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Founding members Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings will reunite for the Takin’ It Back Tour at Ottawa Bluesfest on July 19 as part of the city’s bicentennial festivities.

Ottawa is partnering with Ottawa Tourism to organize a series of events honoring the city’s history and cultural diversity. The lineup includes a family-friendly gathering at Marion Dewar Plaza, a community-driven exhibit at city hall, and the launch of an arts and entertainment district in downtown Ottawa.

A comprehensive list of Ottawa 200 events will be unveiled in the coming year, funded by the municipal accommodation tax and overseen by Ottawa Tourism. The organization is collaborating with various vendors to ensure a diverse and inclusive celebration.

Jérôme Miousse, Director of Public Affairs at Ottawa Tourism, highlighted the aim to include a diverse range of operators that reflect Ottawa’s multicultural history. This involves Indigenous and francophone experiences to ensure all community groups feel acknowledged.

Varying Perspectives

The construction of the Rideau Canal, initiated in 1826 under Lt.-Col. John By’s supervision, marked a significant historical moment for Bytown, later renamed Ottawa.

Prior to this, the Algonquin Anishinābe community utilized the Ottawa River for transportation, trade, and cultural rituals, underscoring their deep connection to the land.

Chloe Dennis, Historian and Exhibits Manager at the Bytown Museum, highlighted the impact of the Rideau Canal construction on the Algonquin Anishinābe people, leading to disruptions and displacements.

The arrival of European settlers in Ottawa led to the flourishing lumber industry, resulting in deforestation and transforming Bytown into a bustling lumber town known for its rugged atmosphere.

Bytown officially became Ottawa in 1855 and was designated as Canada’s capital two years later, pre-dating Confederation by ten years.

The Historical Society of Ottawa is preparing a three-part speaker series exploring the historical narratives of Bytown, the Rideau Canal, and their effects on the region’s original inhabitants as part of the bicentennial commemorations.

Additionally, the Bytown Museum will launch an exhibition titled What’s in a Frame? 200 plus years of community portraits in May, showcasing the diverse experiences and stories of Ottawa’s residents throughout its history.

Collaborating with local organizations and community members, the exhibition aims to showcase Ottawa’s diverse heritage, celebrating past, present, and future contributions to the city.