Confederation Park, Urban park in downtown Ottawa, Canada
Confederation Park is an urban park in downtown Ottawa, sitting between Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue. It has paved paths, several monuments, and an open lawn on its eastern side that people use for gatherings and everyday leisure.
The park opened in 1967 as part of Canada's centennial celebrations, replacing what had been a commercial district. That change turned a built-up block into a public green space at the heart of the city.
The park holds several monuments that reflect Canada's military history, including the South African War Memorial and the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument. Walking from one to another gives visitors a quiet way to understand different chapters of the country's past.
The park is easy to walk through, with paved paths that are accessible year-round. Its central location puts it within a short walk of the National Arts Centre and the Byward Market, making it a natural stop on any tour of downtown Ottawa.
The central fountain honours Colonel John By, builder of the Rideau Canal. It stood in Trafalgar Square, London, from 1845 to 1948 before being moved to Ottawa, and it is cut from Peterhead granite. A twin fountain that also stood in Trafalgar Square now stands in Wascana Park, Regina.
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