Canal Festival Celebrates Heritage ‘In a Big Way’

When the Rideau Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Michel Gauthier had the idea that something so cherished and important needed an event dedicated to celebrating it.

FESTIVAL LAUNCH: Nine-year-old Rowen Dinsmore from Saskatoon's Georges Vanier Catholic School, with Don MacKay of Parks Canada's National Historic Sites of Canada program re-enacting the role of Lt.-Colonel John By, chief engineer of the Rideau Canal, at the launch of the Rideau Canal Festival 2009 Dong Hui/The Epoch Times

Ottawa—Two years ago when the Rideau Canal was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Michel Gauthier had the idea that something so cherished and important to the quality of life needed an event dedicated to celebrating it.

The seasoned festival and event organizer turned that vision into a winning family-friendly and environmentally conscious celebration that received honour as “2008’s Best New Festival” in Ontario.

“When we’re privileged enough to have a UNESCO World Heritage Site in our city, we need to celebrate it in a big way,” said Mr. Gauthier, president and chief executive officer of the not-for-profit Rideau Canal Festival.

The festival returns July 31 to August 3 over the long weekend this summer.

The theme this year is “Connecting with Heritage,” with a focus on connecting children to the heritage treasure they have in the Rideau Canal. Of the 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada, the Rideau Canal is the only one in Ontario. It is also a National Historic Site of Canada.