The beauty of Canada’s landscape is on display along Sparks Street

Just in time for Canada Day, the City of Ottawa and the Downtown BIA have unveiled a series of Canadiana-themed murals down the centre of Sparks Street, between Kent and Lyon streets.

Just in time for Canada Day, the City of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) unveiled Canadiana Block today on Sparks Street. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was joined by Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Downtown BIA and Janette Sadik-Khan, Principal, Bloomberg Associates, for the unveiling.

Canadiana Block is a series of ground murals painted down the centre of Sparks Street, between Kent and Lyon streets. Each of the 13 sweeping landscapes depicts the breathtaking beauty of one of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories.

Artists Dan Bergeron and Gabriel Specter have worked tirelessly throughout June painting the project, which is titled Coast to Coast to Coast.

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

City staff have partnered with Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world and is a part of Bloomberg Philanthropies, to accelerate Council-approved public realm and road safety improvements, such as Canadiana Block.

Last fall, the City of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Downtown BIA, issued a Canada-wide expression of interest to professional artists and artist collectives to solicit proposals for the Canadiana Block and received 28 impressive submissions.

 

Quotes

“Great cities create experiences that bring people together. Canadiana Block does exactly that. It transforms a familiar street into something memorable, celebrating the landscapes, stories and creativity that connect Canadians from coast to coast to coast. As we mark Ottawa 200 and celebrate Canada Day, it is fitting to see this open-air gallery steps from Parliament Hill. This is another way we are bringing more life, more creativity and more reasons to visit downtown.“

Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa

 

“Projects like Canadiana Block, supported by the Downtown BIA, showcase how we are reimagining our public spaces by testing new approaches and embracing creativity in the public realm. By encouraging more innovative and diverse projects like this, we are creating more dynamic and welcoming environments for people to gather and connect.”

Tim Tierney, Chair, Public Works and Infrastructure Committee

 

“I am thrilled that these stunning landscapes will bring even more beauty and energy to iconic Sparks Street, enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors alike. Projects like Canadiana Block not only showcase the natural character of our country, but also strengthen the vibrancy, animation and cultural appeal that make our downtown destinations so special.”

Ariel Troster, Somerset Ward Councillor

 

“The Downtown Business Improvement Area is excited about projects like Canadiana Block as it represents the kind of bold, thoughtful investment our downtown needs right now. Initiatives like this help build vibrant places where people want to gather, live, work, and explore. Projects like Canadiana Block are essential to building a stronger, more dynamic future for downtown Ottawa.”

Kevin McHale, Executive Director, Downtown BIA

 

“This project puts the Canada into ‘Canada’s Street.’ These murals create a walkable portrait of the nation, province by province, territory by territory, and show how a single block can reflect the identity and shared life of a country.”

Janette Sadik-Khan, Principal, Bloomberg Associates