Monday, April 04, 2022

Flora Footbridge

The Flora Footbridge, named for Flora MacDonald, Canada's first female foreign minister, spans the Rideau Canal from Colonel By Drive just north of Clegg Street, on the east side to Queen Elizabeth Drive near Fifth Avenue, on the west.


I started at the east side of the bridge near Clegg Street and Colonel By Drive. With very few exceptions the photographs are presented in the order I photographed them. I think for the most part that will make geographic sense for you.































The plaque for the bridge on the east side had a street barrier stored in front of it. I almost missed it, and could not take a good close up of it. That's alright there's another one on the west side coming up.










Hundreds of people travelled across and around the bridge the day I photographed it. I often had to wait to get a picture without anyone in it. I do this mainly because I want people to have their privacy. When you see them in these pictures, people will usually be in the distance or have their backs to the camera.




































Flora Footbridge

Officially opened on June 28, 2019

Mayor Jim Watson
Councillor Shawn Menard (Capital)

With support from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario.

With special thanks to the Hon. Catherine McKenna, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, Yair Naqvi and David Chernushenko.

Dedicated to the memory of a true bridge builder and Canadian politician,
Flora MacDonald.

Ms. MacDonald was Canada's first female foreign minister, and during her term as Secretary of State for External Affairs, she played a key role in helping six American diplomats escape during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980. She also helped Canada welcome more than 60,000 Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War. She received the Order of Canada for her humanitarian work and leadership in federal politics, and the Pearson Peace Medal for her efforts in fostering international understanding and development.

For four decades, Ms. MacDonald called the area near this bridge home, and frequently speed skated on the Rideau Canal Skateway.

Passerelle Flora

Inauguré le 28 juin 2019

Maire Jim Watshon
Conseiller Shawn Menard (Capitale)

Avec l'appui du gouvernement du CAnada et du gouvernement de l'Ontario.

Avec des remerciements à l'hon. Catherine McKenna, députée d'Ottawa-Centre, Yasir Naqvi et David Chernushenko.

Dédiée à la mémoire d'une véritable bâtisseuse de ponts et une pionnière de la politique canadienne,
Flora MacDonald.

Elle fut la première femme ministre des Affaires étrangères au Canada. Pendant son mandat à titre de secrétaire d'État aux Affaires extérieures, ell a joué un rôle déterminant dans l'évasion de six diplomates américains au moment de la crise Iranienne des otages de 1980. Elle a également aidé le Canada à accueillir plus de 60 000 réfugiés vietnamiens après la guerre du Vietnam. Elle a été décorée de l'Ordre du Canada pour son travail humanitaire et son leadership sur la scène politique fédérale, ainsi que de la médaille Pearson pour la paix en reconnaissance de ses efforts de promotion du développement mondial et de la bonne entente internationale.

Pendant quatre décenies Mme MacDonald s'est sentie chez elle dans la quartier situé à proximité de la passerelle, et on l'a souvent vue filer à toute vitesse sur ses patins sur la canal Rideau en hiver.