Ottawa's Bicentennial Plans Criticized as Lackluster and Unmemorable
Judging by the city's recently announced plans for Ottawa's 200th birthday celebrations throughout 2026, there appears to be remarkably little to entice out-of-town friends to visit or to expect to remember years from now. The lineup presented by Ottawa Tourism features no signature event capable of generating genuine excitement or earning its way onto commemorative merchandise, let alone securing a place in long-term memory.
Modest Celebrations Spread Throughout the Year
The thirteen-event schedule consists of relatively modest experiences distributed across the calendar, with organizers receiving up to $20,000 to cover as much as half of their expenses. Many of these plans resemble events that would likely occur regardless of the bicentennial—existing festivals, concerts, and installations—now simply elevated through the application of an Ottawa200 logo. Meanwhile, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe announced $150,000 in funding for main street businesses to decorate in Ottawa200 colors, adding a visual element but little substantive programming.
Contrast With Memorable National Celebrations
This approach stands in stark contrast to memorable national celebrations that have left lasting impressions on generations of Canadians. The author recalls attending Expo 67 in Montreal during Canada's centennial year, an experience still vividly remembered for its awe-inspiring exhibits, including real kangaroos and the Buckminster Fuller-designed geodesic pavilion. Similarly, Ottawa's sesquicentennial celebrations in 2017 featured La Machine's spectacular mechanical dragonhorse and spider that roamed the city's streets, creating magical moments likely to be permanently imprinted on young children's memories.
The Shawarma Record Controversy
Even the most publicized element of the bicentennial plans—a record-breaking shawarma—has become mired in confusion. Initial press materials indicated the culinary attempt would measure 160 metres, but organizers from Giza Entertainment clarified their application specified 160 feet. Regardless of the exact measurement, the event will surpass the current Guinness World Record by more than two metres. However, critics question whether a static food item, however lengthy, can generate the kind of wonder and excitement that defines truly memorable celebrations.
Historical Perspective on Celebration Significance
The author reflects on personal birthday experiences to illustrate what makes celebrations meaningful. Their most memorable birthday occurred at age twelve in 1972, when they chose to forgo a traditional party to watch Canada compete against the U.S.S.R. in the historic Summit Series hockey game. This decision prioritized witnessing a moment of national significance over conventional festivities, highlighting how truly memorable events often transcend ordinary celebration formats.
As Ottawa prepares to mark two centuries since its founding, questions remain about whether the current plans will create experiences worth recounting to future generations. Without signature events that capture public imagination or create genuine buzz, the bicentennial risks becoming a footnote rather than a landmark celebration in the city's history.
