Centennial Flame

On January 1, 1967, Lester B. Pearson launched Canada's 100th anniversary celebrations by lighting the Centennial Flame for the first time.

Surrounded by the shields of the Canadian provinces and territories, and joined by the water of the fountain, the Centennial Flame symbolizes Canada's unity from sea to sea.

The years inscribed on the border of the fountain, corresponding to the shield above, indicate when the province or territory joined Confederation. Starting at 1870, we have the shield of Manitoba. Moving clockwise, the order is Saskatchewan, 1905; Alberta, 1905; British Columbia, 1871; Yukon, 1898; Northwest Territories, 1870; Newfoundland, 1949; Prince Edward Island, 1873; Nova Scotia, 1867; New Brunswick, 1867; Quebec, 1867; Ontario, 1867.

Every day, visitors throw coins into the fountain. An Act passed by Parliament in 1991 ensures that those coins go to fund research by and about Canadians with disabilities. The coins are collected and transferred to the Comptroller of the House of Commons, who administers the Centennial Flame Research Award Fund, which recognizes and publicizes the achievements of Canadians with disabilities.

Public Works and Government Services Canada is responsible for the operation and maintenance of this important national symbol. Twice annually the flame is shut off for a period of one week, in the spring and the fall. During the fall, water is replaced with a non-toxic glycol to prevent freeze-up.