HomeCommemorative monuments are a powerful tool in helping the NCC address its mission “to make the Capital a symbolic meeting place for Canadians.” By representing Canadians and Canadian history in the Capital, monuments of national significance express our enduring values, our connections to the past and our aspirations for the future.
The NCC is the lead federal agency responsible for approving the location and design of new commemorative works on federal lands in Canada’s Capital Region (CCR). The NCC has embarked on a review of the commemorations program to help guide decisions relating to new commemorations over the next 20 years.
Once completed, the Plan will provide:
- a framework for the appropriate siting of new commemorations in CCR
- guidelines for achieving balance and diversity in newly conceived commemorations
- an urban design and thematic framework
- a review of NCC policy and procedures
- an extensive site inventory
Definition of Commemoration
The honouring of the memory of a person, event or idea.
The goal of a national commemoration is to ensure that:
- memories that are represented have historical integrity and a level of shared memory throughout the country
- it communicates the honour that is bestowed upon the subject
- it contributes positively to the urban landscape
This Plan explores commemorations that are public, national in interest and tangible.
Commemorations Thematic Framework
Six major themes, with associated sub-themes, are proposed for the Capital and they include:
- Political Life (Governing Canada)
- Peace and Security (Governing Canada)
- Canada and the World (Governing Canada)
- Intellectual and Cultural Life
- Social and Community Life
- Developing Economies
Research revealed that many important themes were under-represented in the Capital. While it is acknowledged that Governing Canada will always be the predominant theme in the Capital, there is a need to create a better balance within the themes.
Priority Themes for the Capital
- Canada and the World
- Intellectual and Cultural Life
- Social and Community Life
- Developing Economies
Four priority areas transcend all these themes. They include:
- Aboriginal People
- Women
- Ethno-Cultural Communities
- The Environment
Urban Design Conceptual Framework
Since the need for sites will evolve as history unfolds, the Plan recognizes the importance of safeguarding high-profile sites for future generations and recommends that sites be identified by their physical attributes.