Commemoration Strategy

Maps and Publications

New Commemorations in Canada’s Capital

The NCC is the lead federal agency responsible for approving the subject, location and design of new commemorations on federal lands in Canada’s Capital Region. Ideas and funding for commemorations come from individuals and groups across Canada. The NCC facilitates the development of new commemorations and maintains existing commemorations. It does not directly fund commemorations.

Proposals for New Commemorations

The NCC encourages Canadians to play an active role in building a capital that reflects Canada and Canadians. Individuals and groups are invited to propose and sponsor commemorations of Canadian ideas, people and events of national symbolic importance. NCC approval of commemorations is guided by:

The Policy outlines how to submit a proposal for a new commemoration.

Commemorative Priorities

The following themes, currently under-represented, are priorities for new commemorations:

  • Canada and the world
  • Cultural and intellectual life
  • Social and community life
  • Developing economies.

To represent the full Canadian experience in the Capital, priority is also given to commemorations related to:

  • Aboriginal peoples
  • Ethnocultural communities
  • Women
  • The environment.

Commemoration Site Selection

A successful commemoration both communicates the importance of the subject and enhances the physical setting, helping to create a sense of place. Guidelines in the Canada’s Capital Commemoration Strategic Plan ensure that a commemoration is appropriate to the nature, significance and environment of its site.

The NCC has an inventory of potential commemoration sites. The site of a new monument is chosen from the inventory in consultation with project donors.