Société Macdonald-Cartier Society marks one-year anniversary of campaign
on Jun 22 in Latest Press Releases by adminFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Société Macdonald-Cartier Society marks one-year anniversary of campaign
Youth-led organization continues to defend the name of Wellington Street downtown Ottawa
Ottawa, ON., 22 June 2011 : Today, Société Macdonald-Cartier Society marks the first anniversary of the launch of their campaign, Save Wellington Street.
The Society believes that it is ill-conceived to rename Wellington Street, the name of the Duke of Wellington, the greatest hero of Macdonald’s youth and formative years in Canada, all in the name of “Canadianization.”
“While based on good intentions, the proposal to rename Wellington Street to Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard is harmful to Canada’s heritage”, said Immanuel Giulea, founder and Executive Director. “Of course, it may seem like a worthy idea to commemorate Macdonald. However, honouring one prominent figure in Canadian history should not come at the cost erasing the history and intent behind the Wellington Street name”, added Jermyn Voon, founding board member.
The Duke of Wellington had a fundamental influence on Ottawa’s future existence, since he was a staunch supporter of the Rideau Canal construction project that eventually led to the founding of Bytown. Indeed, the Duke personally chose the location of the Rideau Canal in 1825. He sent Colonel John By to build it. Colonel By, in turn, personally named Bytown’s first streets “Wellington” and “Rideau” in 1826.
When the renaming of Wellington Street was last considered by Ottawa City Hall in September 2003 and January 2004, councillors decided to leave the section downtown untouched. Indeed, the principal land owner, the National Capital Commission, opposed a name change to this section based on the international recognition that Wellington Street runs between Rideau Street and the Western Parkway.
Furthermore, City staff recognized the significance of Wellington Street as the primary address for the Parliament Buildings, the Supreme Court of Canada and other significant national monuments and buildings, and as such it was concluded that the section of Wellington Street downtown would remain unchanged. The City’s decision to leave Wellington Street unchanged in 2003 was also based on the fact that it forms part of the well known Parliamentary Precinct and National Capital Commission’sConfederation Boulevard ceremonial route. City council deemed it historically important to retain the name.
Since the launch of this campaign, the Society has received the support of over two dozen prominent Canadians, eminent academics, newspaper editorials, and local politicians have spoken against the renaming of this historic and internationally-recognized street. “We are very pleased to have the support of Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa”, said Mr. Giulea.
The organization also believes there are many other important matters that deserve consideration at City Hall, and there are other ways to commemorate and celebrate the achievements of the leading Fathers of Confederation, Macdonald and Cartier.
The alternative solution advocated by the Society for over one year is to rename Airport Parkway as Macdonald-Cartier Airport Parkway. This option would allow for an important roadway to be renamed. It is also the most logical solution given that the road stretches to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
While the efforts of those advocating for the renaming of Wellington Street have been stalled by the campaign and the Society’s efforts, the issue remains unresolved. According to information from City Hall, the Planning Committee is expected to receive a report in September.
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The Société Macdonald-Cartier Society is one of Canada’s most dynamic youth-led non-profit organizations, with the mandate to educate young leaders about Canadian history, heritage and culture; increase their level of civic literacy, and; bring their voices and ideas to the nation’s public policy discourse.
For more information, please visit www.savewellingtonst.ca and to arrange interviews please contact Immanuel Giulea, Founder and Executive Director at immanuel@macdonaldcartier or 514-577-2669
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