Ottawa, ON – Branch Office

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory. Founded in 1826 known then as Bytown by the Royal Engineers under Lieutenant-Colonel John By, it was the construction base for the Rideau Canal. This attracted contractors, labourers, merchants, tradesmen, and professionals. In 1855, Byward’s name was changed to Ottawa, derived from the Algonquin word “adawe” which means to trade. To resolve political disputes between Toronto and Quebec City and Montreal and Kingston, it was selected by Queen Victoria as Canada’s Capital in 1857 (prior to Confederation). In 1854 rail lines connected Ottawa to the south and in 1886 it was connected to a transcontinental rail network. The original Parliament Buildings were constructed between 1859 and 1866 which were destroyed by a major fire in 1916 and was rebuilt by 2014.

The historic UNESCO Rideau Canal flows through Ottawa and in the winter is the largest naturally frozen skating rink in the world. It is culturally rich with the National Arts Centre, Canadian Theatre Company and the Ottawa Little Theatre with festivals including the Canadian Tulip Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Ottawa Jazz Festival and Ottawa Chamberfest, among others. It has a population of just over a million people according to the 2021 census. The Parliament Buildings is the most visited attraction and location close by is the Byward Market, a historic farmer’s market and shopping district by day and a favourite gathering place for restaurants and clubs at night.