The Somerset Street Chinatown Gateway Arch has received the 2011 Public Works Project of the Year Award, presented by the American Public Works Association.
Along with Somerset Ward Coun. Diane Holmes, Mayor Jim Watson received the award notification from Larry Lee and Peter Yeung, co-chairs of the Somerset Street Gateway Committee. A formal presentation of the award will take place in Denver, Colorado later on this year.â¨
The arch involved a partnership between the cities of Ottawa and Beijing and the government of Canada for a traditional Chinese Gateway Archway at Somerset Street and Cambridge Avenue.
The project commemorates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.â¨The Gateway Arch, of Chinese imperial-style design, is a symbol of prosperity, health and good fortune.
It also contributed the architectural design and all non-structural finishing and decorative material installations, including two gateway lions.
The City of Beijing also contributed 26 technicians and artisans who arrived in Canada during the six-month construction period to assemble the decorative structural elements and to paint the archway.â¨
The contract was awarded on April 22, 2010 and opening ceremonies were held in October 2010.