Canadiana Block brings the beauty of Canada’s landscape to Sparks Street

: Throughout June, artists will paint a series of Canadiana-themed ground murals down the centre of Sparks Street between Kent Street and Lyon Street. The Canadiana Block will be unveiled in time for Canada Day. Pedestrians have free access to all businesses along Sparks Street and will be able to observe the artists at work.

Throughout June, artists will paint a series of Canadiana-themed ground murals down the centre of Sparks Street between Kent Street and Lyon Street. Each of the thirteen sweeping landscapes will depict the breathtaking beauty of one of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories. 

British Columbia

The Canadiana Block will be unveiled in time for Canada Day. Pedestrians have free access to all businesses along Sparks Street and will be able to observe the artists at work.

Northwest Territories Yukon

Each piece of art will go onto a concrete strip that measures 6.5 feet by 19 feet, or two metres by 5.8 metres. When completed, the art installation will immerse pedestrians in the vastness of Canada’s natural diversity. 

Alberta Saskatchewan

Last fall, the City of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), issued a Canada-wide expression of interest to professional artists and artist collectives to solicit proposals for the Canadiana Block. The jury reviewed 28 submissions and awarded the commission for the Canadiana Block to Dan Bergeron and Gabriel Specter for their work, Coast to Coast to Coast.

Nunavut Manitoba

The Canadiana Block is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to beautifying, enhancing and animating its public spaces. These special installations elevate the downtown experience for workers, residents, visitors and businesses through innovative and engaging public projects, including public art. 

Ontario Québec

Temporary installations, such as the Canadiana Block, offer a unique opportunity to reach new audiences by piloting ideas, experimenting with new techniques and expanding the realm of what can be achieved. 

Nova Scotia New Brunswick

Sparks Street was chosen as the location for this project because of its proximity to Parliament Hill and its importance as a pedestrian connection to the historic Lebreton Flats and the Ādisōke Library. 

Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador

The Canadiana Block will be in place until the end of August 2027.

 

Images shown here may be revised slightly in the final version.