Confederation Park is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. It is situated at the corner of Laurier Avenue and Elgin Street, across the street from city hall and beside the Rideau Canal. It was created in 1967 as a part of Canada’s centennial celebrations.
Confederation Park
It is a rare piece of greenspace in Centretown, and one that is very popular among tourists and residents alike. Many use the pathways as a shortcut to the Rideau Canal, Elgin Street, or the Rideau Centre. The benches and grass serve as a way for people to escape the commotion of downtown Ottawa life.
Many events and festivals take place in Confederation Park. The Ottawa International Jazz Festival holds concerts there, while Winterlude uses the park for its ice sculpture displays. Canada Day events are also held at Confederation. The National Capital Commission maintains the park.
There are several monuments located in the park. There is one dedicated to aboriginal war veterans, and another that commemorates the fallen soldiers of the Boer War. In the centre of the park there is a fountain dedicated to Colonel John By, the founder of Ottawa. The fountain originally stood in Trafalgar Square in London, England, for nearly 100 years.
Prior to being converted to a park, the area had several different uses. From 1908-1923 it was the location of the original Ottawa Senator’s hockey arena.
It was also the site of the Roxborough Apartments, home to many famous Ottawans. Residents included former prime ministers William Lyon Mackenzie King and Louis St. Laurent.
There were plans to turn the spot into a science museum, but it was ultimately converted to the park we know today.