Canada's Capital National Historic Event
Ottawa, Ontario
Parliament Hill
© Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
Address :
Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1976-11-06
Other Name(s):
-
Canada's Capital
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857, became capital in 1867
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Main entrance to Parliament Hill Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario
After the union of the two Canadas in 1841 Kingston, Montréal, Toronto and Québec were in succession the seat of government. During the 1850's these cities contended for designation as the permanent capital of Canada. When called upon, in 1857, Queen Victoria resolved the issue by choosing Ottawa. In 1867 the Fathers of Confederation reaffirmed the choice and Ottawa became the capital of the new Dominion of Canada.