'Let us raise a cheer to Ottawa': Canada's capital celebrates its 200th birthday

'Let us raise a cheer to Ottawa': Canada's capital celebrates its 200th birthday

Saturday's events included a block party, live performances, the return of Nuit Blanche

Ottawans are out celebrating the city's 200th birthday this weekend, with the grounds of city hall transformed Saturday into a big bicentennial block party.

The opening ceremonies kicked off this morning at Marion Dewar Plaza, with town crier Daniel Richer ringing his bell and delivering his proclamation to mark the historic day.

"Let the bell ring for those who built, those who arrived, and those who will shape the century to come. Let us raise a cheer to Ottawa [and the] next 200 years," he said.

In a speech, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe talked about an old newspaper article he dug up from 1926, predicting what life would be like in the nation's capital a hundred years later.

One big claim: that people would get around the city by plane, and not by car.

"I'm not going to make any predictions about flying cars," Sutcliffe said. "But I think I can safely predict one thing: Ottawa will continue to be a kind and caring community. Ottawa will continue to be a welcoming city."

Also at the opening ceremonies was Greg Sarazin, Chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, who reflected on the longer history of the land.

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"When we look around Ottawa, we see a modern capital city," Sarazin said. "But beneath the roads, buildings and landmarks is a much older story, one that is deeply connected to the Algonquin Nation."

Saturday's free events are scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

They include food and drink vendors, art exhibits, live music and an "Ottawa transit museum" put on by OC Transpo, along with other family-friendly events.

There have also been family fun and interactive art zones where visitors can enjoy games and art exhibits.

The party also featured free shows by a variety of other artists including a performance of Ottawa's 200th birthday song Heart of This Place (Adàwe c'est ma Ville), which was released earlier in the summer by a team of four local musicians.

Later in the evening, Ottawa’s Jamie Fine is set to headline the party, performing at 8:15 p.m.

Once night falls, Nuit Blanche Ottawa returns to the city, turning public spaces into illuminated artistic playgrounds.

From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., artwork and performances will animate the downtown area. Bars and restaurants with special approval will extend their last call past 2 a.m.

OC Transpo service will also be free on the anniversary weekend — part of the city's compensation for service disruptions during the past winter.

A number of streets, museums and public spaces will also offer free experiences this weekend.

The city is also reminding residents that there will be military activity throughout Saturday. The Canadian Armed Forces were also set to race assault boats on the Rideau Canal all afternoon, with each of the four races beginning with the firing of a cannon at Parliament Hill.

For more information, the city has a website with full details of the day's events.