25 December 2007
postcards from the nation's capital
This past November, gentle reader, Rambling Rose gave in to the call of her itchy feet to embark on another one of her frayed shoestring adventures. After checking Via Rail schedules and fares, RR was left with one destination--the nation's capital and its many museums to explore. It was the latter that turned out to be a disappointment as the museums were closed during her stay there. The next disappointment was the plan to diarize the trip by sending postcards to a young lady of her acquaintance at each stop of her adventure. In the end, RR sent only two postcards as try as she might, those red Canada Post mailboxes proved elusive and RR finally found one at the entrance to Union Station in Toronto. Times are changing and why would anyone in their right mind attempt something as old-fashioned as a picture postcard sent via snail-mail? -- Most folks now carry cell phones that can capture images and transmit them electronically instantly. Needless to say, RR lumbers through the 21st century much like the dinosaur she photographed at the Nature Museum.Nonetheless, this mini-adventure took RR from the city that is dreaming greatness (Berlin/Kitchener) through the city that has become great (Toronto the good) to the city that has had greatness thrust upon it (Bytown/Ottawa). What follows is the postcard sequence for you, gentle reader, and for one young lady who will be travelling to Ottawa May 2008 to enjoy!
First postcard: RCMP perform for summer tourists on the grounds with the Parliament Buildings in the background."Bytown, the headquarters of the lumber trade in Canada, owes its origin to the construction of the Rideau Canal[designated UNESCO world heritage site in 2007], which was projected mainly as a great military work for the conveyance of troops and military stores through the interior of the country in case of war with the United States. The work was constructed under the superintendence of Colonel By of the Royal Engineers, in compliment to whom the future town was named. In the beginning of the year 1827, it is said 'nothing could be heard but the clinking of hammers in building houses, the noise of drills boring rocks, and a perfect cannonade of blasts.' The canal was completed in 1831. ....In the year 1840, Bytown was inserted in the Imperial Union Bill as a town worthy, from its size and importance, of being represented in the United Parliament of Canada, and Lord Sydenham recommended it as being favourably situated as a Seat of Government for the United Provinces. In 1845, the population was stated as 7,000." (1)
Second postcard: Statue of Queen Victoria in the library of the Parliament Buildings. Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as capital of Canada following 1867 Confederation. This was a compromise between the competing claims of Montreal and York/Toronto to become this country's capital.
"Bytown, in Nepean, is situated on the southern bank of the Ottawa, a little below the beautiful falls of the Chaudiere, and opposite the flourishing village of Hull in Lower Canada. It stands upon a high and bold eminence surrounding Canal Bay, and occupies both banks of the canal; that part lying to the east being called the Lower, and that to the west, from a superiority of local elevation, the Upper Town." (10
Third postcard: view of Parliament Hill taken from the Museum of Civilization, Hull PQ; from east to west (L to R): Lower Town, entrance to the Rideau Canal, and Upper Town with the Hill and Parliament Buildings.
"In remoter perspective the eye dwells upon a succession of varied and beautiful bridges, abutting upon precipitous and craggy rocks, and abrupt islands, between which the waters are urged with wonderful agitation and violence." (1)
Fourth postcard: statue of Champlain at Nepean Point. The explorations of Samuel de Champlain charted this country's first highways, the magnificent interconnected river systems, which eventually supported this nation's first economy. The fur trade that constantly expanded westward and prompted the efforts of another legendary explorer, David Thompson, to chart the western and northern river systems. Rambling Rose is currently working out her next dream itinerary that will see her retracing David Thompson's footsteps through Canada's vast northwestern regions. As time went on, the fish-hook shaped Ottawa River became the major transportation corridor that saw massive volumes of magnificent white and red pine shipped to England as building materials for the huge wood-panelled estates that now serve as a setting for the many movies RR watches during the winter.
"Of the white and red pine probably three-fourths came off Crown land and down the Ottawa....From the evidence taken before the select committee on the lumber trade before 1849, we learn that a considerable degree of dissatisfaction has existed among lumbermen with the system of management of the Crown Lands, and the manner in which timber dues have been levied, causing a frequent glut on the market, and from the custom of charging so much per stick of timber without reference to its size or value, causing a great destruction of large timber for purposes for which small timber would answer equally well....The year 1845 was the most prosperous...The quantity of timber brought to market that season was 27,702,344 feet, and the quantity exported was 24,223,000 board feet." (1) Current status of the lumber industry was supplied by RR's seat companion on the train journey to Ottawa: apparently most of the mills in Quebec are being closed by foreign (U.S.) owners and the lumber will be shipped to US mills for processing. Another instance of globalization raping a country's resources and creating massive unemployment in its wake.
Fifth and sixth postcards: the Chateau Laurier exterior and photo of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister with head of Grand Trunk Railway 1896 en route to the opening of that vast building. The Grand Trunk Railway introduced this country to the romance of train travel to see Canada's spectacular scenery and led to the construction of many glorious chateau-style hotels to house the growing tourist trade. This particular Chateau was immediately adjacent to the GTR train station in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Via's station is not as immediately accessible and even its architecture speaks of the fading importance Canadians attach to travelling by train. The Via train station is a post-modern steel and glass structure is sparse and utilitarian; its only redeeming feature is the circular ramp up to the ticket counters.
Urged on by the need for a nearby washroom, Rambling Rose summoned up her courage to step inside the Chateau Laurier lobby and to explore the public portions of the Chateau. Lulled by light classical music in the background, she took her seat on old upholstered furniture with elaborately carved wooden frames. What a feast for the eyes to comfort a foot-weary pedestrian visitor to the city: beige marble floors, dark wood-panelled walls and columns, accented with ivory-coloured plaster medallions and ornate wall brackets. Serendipity provided a Yousuf Karsh Exhibition and the leisure to study the famous black and white portraits of Pablo Casals, Winston Churchill, Albert Einstein, Georgia O'Keefe and Jean Paul Riopelle. The actual prints are remarkable in their detail and inspiring. Thus fortified, RR proceeded to visit the fabulous Chapters/Starbucks across the street.
Seventh and eight postcards: Nature Museum (1857) grounds and facade undergoing restoration. This location became the starting point of one of RR's many walks in the city: Elgin Street which runs north to the National War Memorial and East Block of the Parliament Buildings. RR marvelled at the vast variety of historical architecture, explored Confederation Park to examine its magnificent sculptures, checked out the National Arts Centre, and then rambled beside the Rideau Canal to the locks and the Bytown Museum.
"The streets are laid out with much regularity, and of a liberal width, that will hereafter contribute to the convenience, salubrity and elegance of the place....The number of houses now built [i.e. in 1851] is not short of a hundred and fifty, most of which are constructed of wood, frequently in a style and neatness and taste that reflects great credit upon the inhabitants...Most of the buildings lately erected...are of stone, an excellent quality of which may be obtained in any quantity on the ground." (1)
Ninth postcard: OCtranspo double bus was RR's primary mode of transportation during her stay in Ottawa. Upon arrival, RR opted for a taxi to take her to her motel @ cost of $12.00 for trip. Upon leaving, RR used public transit directly to train station @ cost of $1.90 to cover the same distance. RR found Ottawa's public transportation system simply amazing! In the downtown core, buses arrive in very short intervals; should one bus one fill, a second bus is immediately dispatched to pick up waiting passengers and follows directly behind the first scheduled bus on that run. Passengers are issued a transfer good for 2 hours on any bus. RR availed herself frequently of this option: she paid her fare, rode to her first destination, then walked until she tired of walking, and promptly resumed her ride at the nearest bus stop."The main thoroughfare in both the Upper and Lower Towns [i.e. today's Rideau Street] is well laid out, that in the Upper Town especially, if proper care is taken in constructing the buildings, will make one of the handsomest streets in Canada. The town, however, particularly the Lower Town has scarcely a British look about it. About half the population is said to be Irish, and half the remainder French, leaving but one fourth to comprise English, Scotch, and British Canadian. The streets are filled morning and night with Lower Canadian caleches driven by Frenchmen, whose continued gabbling, squabbling and laughter in their mother tongue, added to the number of priests clad in somber-looking sacerdotal garments continually parading the streets....altogether form a scene exceedingly foreign, and such as we of the west are not much accustomed to seeing on British ground." (1)
Tenth postcard: wall decor in Antonio's, an Italian restaurant within the historic Prescott Hotel. The hotel is located on Preston Street, Ottawa's Little Italy that offers up a culinary paradise of Italian food, groceries, and funky colourful architecture. All of RR's bus tours started from the Rideau Centre hub downtown, circled the city, and eventually returned to the Rideau hub. Wherever she went, RR marvelled at the exceptional courtesy local residents extended to her. Although a chill northern wind warned of winter soon to come, RR's lasting impression of this nation's capital is of warmth and friendliness.
Eleventh postcard: the Expo 67 People sculpture by Louis Archambeault now installed adjacent to the Ottawa River and the Museum of Civilization. Twelfth postcard: Museum of Civilization continues to beckon. Next trip to Ottawa will see RR purchasing a museum pass for $30.00 to visit 10 museums in seven days!
Sources: (1) Historical commentary is by Donald Smith, who in 1852, provided a two-volume statistical accounting of all of Upper Canada in Canada: Past, Present, and Future. His comments continue to be relevant and prescient.
Labels: history
12 December 2007
are we moving forward?
Press release of statement by the Honourable Barbara McDougall, Federal Representative, and Ronald L. Doering, Federal Negotiator, with the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations and the Province of Ontario, following this week's negotiation session with Six Nations and the Province of Ontario. "Today, in an effort to find common ground at the table, Canada made an offer to the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations relating to the Welland Canal Flooding Claim - a pre-confederation claim dating back to 1829...This offer of $26 million, relates to Six Nations assertion that they were not adequately compensated for the loss of use of roughly 2400 acres of land flooded for the Welland Canal project." Six Nations are expected to respond by 5 Feb 08, date of next scheduled negotiations.
Missing details? " The $125-million offer was made to settle the canal claim, plus Moulton Township, the Burtch Tract in Brant and the misuse of Six Nations funds to finance the Grand River Navigation Co. between 1834 and 1849. A condition of the offer is that natives leave Douglas Creek Estates and hold no more occupations." <==== a previous offer to settle 4 of 24 claims; current negotiations appear to deal with one specific claim at a time = possibly a very good sign that progress can be made.
Backgrounders: a) Haldimand Grant chronology from aboriginal perspective
b) Welland Canal flooding from federal perspective reads:
"There are certain basic facts that are part of the historical record regarding the Welland Canal flooding of Six Nations. In 1829, as part of the construction of the Welland Canal, a dam was built across the Grand River, which resulted in the flooding of certain Six Nation lands. In addition, a federal Act incorporating the Welland Canal Company required that the Company would provide compensation for damages sustained as a result of the construction of the Canal and that Indians who sustained damages would be compensated in the same manner as non-Indians. Over a period of approximately 120 years, Six Nations representatives complained about the damage caused by the flooding and sought to obtain compensation. In 1949, the Six Nations sought compensation in a case called Miller v. The King, but the petition was dismissed by the Court. There is no evidence that compensation has, to this day, been paid to the Six Nations of the Grand River for the value of the flooded lands."
Photo copyright Sandamara Images 2006: Joseph Brant statue, Brantford ON captures the historical stereotype of the noble savage.
Labels: aboriginal, history, land claims
go west, young man/woman
According to a report just released, Vancouver is no longer the most attractive city in Canada: Calgary is, followed by Toronto, and then Vancouver. (1) (2)
According to Statistics Canada, "an aging population and the declining birth rate has Canada on track to becoming fully dependent on immigration for population growth by around 2030....The figures show that 19.8 per cent of the population in 2006 was foreign born, the highest proportion since 1931 and up 13.6 per cent from 2001. By contrast, the entire Canadian population grew only 3.3 per cent in the same period...Nationally, the 2006 census data shows that one in five people in Canada is foreign-born, an immigration surge unprecedented in a quarter of a century...As well, the proportion of foreign-born immigrants from Asian and Middle Eastern countries (41 per cent) outstripped those of European heritage (37)."
This trend is mirrored locally: "Across the region, more than 105,000 people are immigrants. That's 23.1 per cent, a five per cent increase over the last census in 2001 and above the national average of 19.8 per cent...High employment, a wealthy economy and relatively affordable housing, the Kitchener census metropolitan area ranked third among mid-sized cities, behind only Halifax and Oshawa."
That's a fantastic rate of growth in spite of two major drawbacks: 1) the region's persistent doctor shortage; 2) little new commercial and industrial construction' which signal "investor confidence and signals a robust and dynamic (community)."
Also worth noting are urban stats:
1. Kitchener pop. +7.5% to 204,668***(ethnic/mother tongue*: German @6,620/Spanish @4,475; new immigration**: Yugoslavia @4,050;
2. Waterloo pop. +12.6% to 97,475*** (ethnic/mother tongue: German @ 3,530/Chinese @ 4,425; new immigration: China @ 2,300;
3. Cambridge pop. +9.1% to 120,371 (ethnic/mother tongue: Portuguese @ 7,250/French @ 1,805: new immigration: Portugal @5,585;
4. Wilmot Twp pop +15% to 17,097 (ethnic/mother tongue: German @ 930; new immigration: United Kingdom @ 355 but note + %Canadian born is up = exurbia effect is taking place?
Westward mobility stats?
a. from Toronto to Region +4,945; from Guelph to Region + 930; from Hamilton to Region +425
b. from Region to Calgary +325 and to Edmonton + 110
Eastward mobility stats?
c. from Region to Brantford + 805
Based on RR's discussions with 30 something new property owners locally, this Region can expect a greater influx of residents soon. Cf. 1) young neighbour who purchased older home in order to avoid paying GST on new construction; 2) another neighbour who tells her his older home would have cost him approx $800,000 in Oakville; he notes how close he is to Expressway and 401 and cheerfully commutes from his approx $235,000 house in Kitchener; and 3) a Cedar Hill landowner who cited same $800,000 Burlington purchase price for house like his close to downtown Kitchener and predicts that Cedar Hill will become a desirable neighbourhood as more of his ilk discover its advantages.
Notes: *ethnic/mother tongue after English/French are accounted for i.e. the figure listed appears third in stats list; ** new immigration according to country of origin; ***per census report but most recent City of Waterloo sign puts its population at 115,000 & City of Kitchener latest pop stats indicate 213,000. Census data was taken in 2006; if current figures are accurate, then the twin cities have mushroomed dramatically in the space of one year.
Sources: All statistics and quotes in this blog appear here: (1)TAMSIN MCMAHON, Region has national allure: Skilled workers attracted to this area, report saysThe Record 12 Dec 07; (2) TAMSIN MCMAHON, Here's who is calling Waterloo Region HOME & We cling to our German Roots, The Record 05 Dec 07.
Labels: economy
09 December 2007
dirty weather
"There is an impression abroad that Canada is a very slow-going country; that the extreme cold so benumbs our faculties for one-half of the year, and the burning sun so frizzles them up for the remainder, that we are sunk in sloth and indolence; that we have no energy; that we lie huddled in the snow, or basking in the sun, gazing with looks of wonder at the astonishing progress, the grand undertakings, the extraordinary inventions, the transcendent abilities of our neighbours across the lakes. That we are little better than semi-animated Rip van Winkles, dependent on the Americans for almost the necessaries of life; forced occasionally like the trappers in the far west, to dine on the soles of our moccasins, and drink the blood of our own mules. That we are such a riotous and disorderly set, with 'loyalty on our lips, and rebellion in our hearts,' that we are ready at any moment for an escapade; and that nothing but the presence of a few soldiers prevents us going over,'body, bones, and bedding' to the Americans." (1)The above observations, gentle reader, were penned by W. H. Smith* in an 1851 publication, Canada: Past, Present and Future, vol II. At that time, Canada referred to the two Canadas: Upper (now Ontario) and Lower (now Quebec) who were both colonies of Britain and hence the reference to the "few soldiers" i.e. British stationed here to secure this country against a possible American invasion. What has changed in the intervening centuries? Have we gone over-- "body, bones and bedding"-- to the Americans? How much has our climate changed since the 19th century?
To answer that question we need to look back at the historical record. Herewith, Robert Gourlay's 1817 weather observations as recorded in Statistical Account of Upper Canada (1822):
"The prevailing winds of Upper Canada are the south west, the north east, and the north west. In summer, the wind blows two thirds of the time down stream, that is, from the south west. As it passes over the lakes, the air collects a moisture, which excites an unpleasant sensation. In spring and autumn, this wind is sometimes quite uncomfortable. However, compared with the north east and north west, it is generally moderate. The north east is damp and chilly, but not to such a degree as at Boston or other places on the Atlantic board. The longest storms of rain and deepest falls of snow are accompanied by easterly winds. The north west, which is most frequent in winter, is dry, cold, and elastic. The south east is soft, thawy and rainy. The wind blows less frequently from the west and south, and still more seldom from due north. Almost every day in the summer, especially when the wind blows from the south west, it rises about nine or ten o'clock in the forenoon, and continues to increase in strength till towards evening, when it gradually lulls away. Changes of wind are accompanied by corresponding changees of weather. The most sudden are to the north west, followed by weather clear and cold for the season. Almost every thunder shower clears up with this wind."
Almost two centuries later, Environment Canada provides us with the following storm warnings:
1. from the south east: the Texas gulf low that is full of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and can dump up to 40 cm of snow on the
cold side, and a drenching of rain on the warmer side.
2. from the north west: the "Alberta clipper" that is spawned in the northern Rocky Mountains and heads eastward. It moves fast,
dumping 20 cm of snow at most.
3. from the south west: the "Colorado low" that forms in the southern Rockies, scoops some moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and heads north to the Great Lakes. It moves slower, and tends to dump more rain or snow (up to 30 cm).
4. from the east: the "East Coast low" that is also full of moisture, but tends to slam the New England states and the Canadian Maritimes. While it may dump 60 cm of snow with lots of wind, they tend to only brush by southern Ontario and may hit the Ottawa area.
5. from the west: lake-effect snow caused by cold winds scooping moisture from the comparatively warm lake waters. Flurries and squalls coming off the Great Lakes are difficult to predict, because they're often shortlived, localized and happen close to the ground, so radar doesn't always track them well. (1)
Historical weather records for City of Kitchener? Average snowfall: 16 cm; biggest one-day snowfall: 61 cm, Nov. 24, 1950** (part of a two-day storm that dumped more than 80 cm on the city); deepest accumulation of snow: 77 cm, March 10, 1982; coldest temperature: -33.9C, Feb 9, 1934.
Photos copyright Sandamara Images 1983-2007 L to R clockwise: 1. burning brush during winter months on eastern side of MacKenzie Highway to clear land for agriculture; 2. deep snowfall with yes--blue shadows in the James Bay Lowlands; 5. Moose River freeze-up and "dirty weather' in the James Bay Lowlands. Dirty weather refers to low hanging clouds and rain that forces ducks and geese to fly low and are easy to shoot during the traditional spring and fall goose hunts in northern communities.
Notes: *Smith quotes Sir Francis Bond Head, lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, who had this to say about the Canadian climate: "On the whole, I am of opinion that the climate of Canada is more healthy and invigorating than that of England; but infinitely more destructive to the skin, hair, teeth, and other items of what is termed 'personal appearance."
** So the snow was really that deep then? as this statistic confirms one of RR's earliest memories of this country. Memory can deceive; so nice that this one is confirmed by the official records.
Sources: (1) Those American lows may bring heavy snows The Record 22 Nov 07;
To answer that question we need to look back at the historical record. Herewith, Robert Gourlay's 1817 weather observations as recorded in Statistical Account of Upper Canada (1822):
"The prevailing winds of Upper Canada are the south west, the north east, and the north west. In summer, the wind blows two thirds of the time down stream, that is, from the south west. As it passes over the lakes, the air collects a moisture, which excites an unpleasant sensation. In spring and autumn, this wind is sometimes quite uncomfortable. However, compared with the north east and north west, it is generally moderate. The north east is damp and chilly, but not to such a degree as at Boston or other places on the Atlantic board. The longest storms of rain and deepest falls of snow are accompanied by easterly winds. The north west, which is most frequent in winter, is dry, cold, and elastic. The south east is soft, thawy and rainy. The wind blows less frequently from the west and south, and still more seldom from due north. Almost every day in the summer, especially when the wind blows from the south west, it rises about nine or ten o'clock in the forenoon, and continues to increase in strength till towards evening, when it gradually lulls away. Changes of wind are accompanied by corresponding changees of weather. The most sudden are to the north west, followed by weather clear and cold for the season. Almost every thunder shower clears up with this wind."
Almost two centuries later, Environment Canada provides us with the following storm warnings:
1. from the south east: the Texas gulf low that is full of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and can dump up to 40 cm of snow on the
cold side, and a drenching of rain on the warmer side.
2. from the north west: the "Alberta clipper" that is spawned in the northern Rocky Mountains and heads eastward. It moves fast,
dumping 20 cm of snow at most.
3. from the south west: the "Colorado low" that forms in the southern Rockies, scoops some moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and heads north to the Great Lakes. It moves slower, and tends to dump more rain or snow (up to 30 cm).
4. from the east: the "East Coast low" that is also full of moisture, but tends to slam the New England states and the Canadian Maritimes. While it may dump 60 cm of snow with lots of wind, they tend to only brush by southern Ontario and may hit the Ottawa area.
5. from the west: lake-effect snow caused by cold winds scooping moisture from the comparatively warm lake waters. Flurries and squalls coming off the Great Lakes are difficult to predict, because they're often shortlived, localized and happen close to the ground, so radar doesn't always track them well. (1)
Historical weather records for City of Kitchener? Average snowfall: 16 cm; biggest one-day snowfall: 61 cm, Nov. 24, 1950** (part of a two-day storm that dumped more than 80 cm on the city); deepest accumulation of snow: 77 cm, March 10, 1982; coldest temperature: -33.9C, Feb 9, 1934.
Photos copyright Sandamara Images 1983-2007 L to R clockwise: 1. burning brush during winter months on eastern side of MacKenzie Highway to clear land for agriculture; 2. deep snowfall with yes--blue shadows in the James Bay Lowlands; 5. Moose River freeze-up and "dirty weather' in the James Bay Lowlands. Dirty weather refers to low hanging clouds and rain that forces ducks and geese to fly low and are easy to shoot during the traditional spring and fall goose hunts in northern communities.
Notes: *Smith quotes Sir Francis Bond Head, lieutenant governor of Upper Canada, who had this to say about the Canadian climate: "On the whole, I am of opinion that the climate of Canada is more healthy and invigorating than that of England; but infinitely more destructive to the skin, hair, teeth, and other items of what is termed 'personal appearance."
** So the snow was really that deep then? as this statistic confirms one of RR's earliest memories of this country. Memory can deceive; so nice that this one is confirmed by the official records.
Sources: (1) Those American lows may bring heavy snows The Record 22 Nov 07;
Labels: climate change
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