Sparks Street gets 13 new murals celebrating Canada's provinces
The Canadiana Block will feature sweeping landscapes of all 10 provinces and three territories, done by July 1.
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A new public art installation is transforming a concrete strip on Sparks Street into a sweeping tribute to Canada's geography.
Throughout June, artists are creating murals depicting the 10 provinces and three territories, each portraying the "sweeping landscapes" and "breathtaking beauty" of their region. The project, called the Canadiana Block, will stretch 5.8 metres wide and two metres high.
The paintings were chosen through a 2025 jury review of over two dozen submissions from professional artists across Canada. The final design was created by Dan Bergeron and Gabriel Specter and named Coast to Coast to Coast.
The location wasn't arbitrary. Sparks Street was selected for its proximity to Parliament Hill and its connection between LeBreton Flats and the Ādisōke Library. The installation is expected to remain until August 2027.
The murals won't impede foot traffic along the downtown pedestrian strip, and the city is encouraging residents to watch the artists at work. "When completed, the art installation will immerse pedestrians in the vastness of Canada's natural diversity," the municipality noted.
The City of Ottawa and the Downtown Business Improvement Area are funding the project as part of the city's ongoing effort to animate and beautify public spaces.