We asked 30 eminent Canadians from various backgrounds to share their vision for Canada’s Capital. Ranging from environmentalists to celebrities to national leaders and more, they offered a variety of perspectives.

Read on to discover the capital visions of eminent Canadians like David Suzuki, Shawn A-in-chut Atleo, Michaëlle Jean, Rick Hansen, Véronic DiCaire and George Stroumboulopoulos. Many of these statements are also published in the January/February 2012 issue of Canadian Geographic.

Rick Hansen:   “Showcase to the world Canada’s commitment to accessibility…”

George Stroumboulopoulos:  “Create a night life… selling the next chapter in Canadian art and Canadian artists...”

Alison Loat:  “I think the capital should be a place that inspires Canadians to public service…”

Catherine Clark: “It would really be great if we could do more with our architecture…”

George Elliott Clarke:  “Construct a Pavilion of the People… celebrating our multicultural, bilingual, and Aboriginal fact.”

Hayley Wickenheiser:  “I think [the capital should be] open about being Canadian…”

Martin Goldfarb: “Every school-age child needs to know that they will take a trip to Ottawa…”

Julie Payette:  “Wouldn’t you also want your capital city to be a destination?”

Bernard Voyer:  “In a few steps, in a few glances, one has to find the country as a whole in the Capital.”

Craig Kielburger: “Canada’s capital should be a place of opportunity for young Canadians.”

Raymond Moriyama:  “The potential richness of our Capital is still untapped.”

Michaëlle Jean: “Ottawa must be animated and not strictly an administrative and political capital.”

Michael Smith: “We need a stronger food presence in our capital.”

Shawn A-In-Chut Atleo: “My ideal capital city would reflect a shared history between indigenous peoples and all Canadians."

Severn Cullis-Suzuki: “The capital must provide us with something to believe in…”

Marc Mayer: “I love the idea of creating a precinct of beauty within the city’s core.”

Jock Climie: "Our youth need heroes to look up to."

Arlene Dickinson: “[The Capital] needs to be a city of opportunity and expression…”

Jim Cuddy: “I think ultimately the real bane of cities is going to be car travel in the future.” 

Jeff Boyd: "Each and every Canadian should see themselves reflected in the fabric of the Capital"

John Furlong: "The capital city needs to be connected"

Grete Hale: "My sister, Jean Pigott, used to say...when planning for our Capital 'think river, think river'. "

M.G. Vassanji:  “Perhaps we’re better off staying modest in Ottawa.”

Charlotte Gray:  “How long can or should they survive?”

Geoff Green: “Canada’s Capital is a crossroads and a gateway to the Arctic.”

David Suzuki:  “The Capital Region should cherish nature and our place within it.”

Elizabeth Manley: "The Capital means achievement and warmth in all the people in it."

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau:  "The future of the Capital? Its future definitely lies in its youth."

Thomas d'Aquino:  “The most important role of Canada’s Capital is to reflect to Canada and to the world who we are as a people.”

Véronic DiCaire:  “Canada’s Capital Region should be an example of all that our country can offer.”