Gatineau, Quebec – Department of Canadian Heritage

Colourful banners that showcase historic Canadian milestones and highlight Canada’s provinces and territories are flying high in Canada’s Capital Region along the Confederation Boulevard ceremonial route.

This year, in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada, a special banner series will mark the anniversaries of the start of the First and Second World Wars. The theme of “departure for war” is reflected on the banners through archival images of soldiers leaving families and loved ones behind as they head off to battle.

Also this year, in collaboration with PEI 2014 Inc. and Parks Canada, the 150th anniversaries of the Charlottetown and Québec Conferences are being recognized with celebratory banners that depict the Fathers of Confederation.

In addition, Canada’s 13 provinces and territories will be showcased on banners that feature popular icons and symbols from provincial and territorial flags and coats of arms.

Quick Facts

• The Confederation Boulevard banners program was initiated in 1992 to coincide with Canada’s 125th birthday. Every year since, more than 500 festive banners have adorned Confederation Boulevard, the official ceremonial route in Canada’s Capital Region, during the summer months.
• Past provincial and territorial banners have showcased the flowers, flags, symbolic landmarks, and architecture unique to each region, while commemorative banners have recognized several important anniversaries and milestones in Canada’s history.
• Visitors and residents can enjoy this year’s Confederation Boulevard banners until mid-October.

Quotes

“The banners are a beautiful seasonal addition to Canada’s Capital Region. We are proud to showcase Canada’s culture, history, and geography in this unique and colourful way to the hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit the nation's capital this summer.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages