Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
landmarks that symbolize and reflect all of Canada'(NCC 1991:v).
The function of a national cultural institution (e.g., museum) is to display,
protect and explain past, present and future national phenomena and
human achievements. National cultural institutions are also used to
communicate social, cultural, political, scientific, technical, or other
knowledge through various media.
(NCC 1999:63)
The main avenue for Canadian government actions to reinforce the role of Ottawa's
capital city status is the National Capital Commission, which has the mission 'To create
pride and unity through Canada's Capital Region' (NCC 2000a: 5). Established in 1959
the NCC is a Crown corporation governed by a national board of directors (the
Commission) and reports to the Canadian Parliament through the Minister of Canadian
Heritage.
Clearly the NCC is not primarily a tourist organisation, but its actions and policies
over the years have created both substantial tourism resources for the region in the form
of attractions as well as imaging the city through its promotional and marketing
campaigns. The significance of the NCC for tourism cannot be overstated. As Tunbridge
(1998) observed,
In an unmanaged state Ottawa's tourism resource would be modest: a
physical environment recreationally attractive, but unexceptional in
Canada; a historic ambience with distinctive elements, but weal by
international standards; and an overall cultural environment which was in
the 1960s the butt of jests …and a non-place to most further afield.
(Tunbridge 1998:95)
According to the NCC, it 'exists to promote national pride through the creation of a
great capital for an increasingly diverse body of Canadians' (2000a:8). A key focus of
achieving its strategic goals since the early 1990s has been the theme of renewal and the
development of core area vision for the National Capital Region (NCR). In order to
achieve its goals it has 'fostered the re-development of the By Ward Market, where a mix
of commercial and residential uses has restored life and preserved the character of a
unique heritage neighbourhood' and is looking to regenerate the Sparks Street mall area
only a block from Parliament Hill…. It forms the interface of the 'civic'
and 'capital' realms. It is an expression of Ottawa and, as such, of Canada.
The revitalization of Sparks Street is therefore an important symbol of
Canada's commitment to a vibrant future that is solidly rooted in the past.
(NCC 2000a:3)
(See also Tunbridge 2000 for an excellent discussion of the redevelopment of the
market area.) Significantly, a future tourism focus is the development of the NCR 'as an
ecodestination
However to respond successfully to the needs of future travellers
not
