Centennial Flame, Monument at Parliament Hill entrance, Ottawa, Canada
The Centennial Flame is a fountain at the entrance of Parliament Hill featuring the shields of all Canadian provinces and territories. The structure combines a burning flame with flowing water, creating both a visual focal point and a place where visitors contribute coins.
The monument was established in 1966 by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson to mark Canada's centennial year in 1967. The flame has burned continuously since then, becoming a lasting symbol of the nation.
The fountain collects coins from visitors, which support the Centennial Flame Research Award funding studies about disabled persons in Canadian public life. This tradition transforms a simple monument into a place where visitors contribute to meaningful research.
The fountain operates year-round, though it may be temporarily inaccessible during maintenance or harsh weather conditions. Visiting during daylight provides the best view of the structure and shields, while evening visits offer better visibility of the flame itself.
The fountain uses a special heating system that prevents water from freezing even when temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius. This technical feature allows the flame to burn continuously through Canada's harsh winter months.
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