MANIFEST DISCREPANCY — Tracing Our Complicated History with the USA

It's complicated. We all know that the current relationship between Canada and our neighbour — and erstwhile geopolitical "best friend" — is a bit strained at the moment. Terms like 'sovereignty', 'tariffs', 'protectionism' and "buy Canadian" are suddenly dominating the news. But this tension is nothing new. And as a matter of fact, as local history nerd and raconteur Dennis will argue on this walk, often out relationship with the USA is THE most important factor shaping the development of not just Canada, but our own city. As we walk, he'll show you the evidence, and tell you some of the surprising and occasionally hilarious stories that are written all over the urban fabric of Ottawa, if only you know where to look.


Location
Route

We'll meet in Major's Hill Park, and then head down Mackenzie Ave to Wellington St, and walk west along Wellington to the Library and Archives.

About the walk leader

Dennis Van Staalduinen is a veteran Jane's Walk walk leader, community activist, theatre performer, and storyteller who has been described as a "Swiss Army Nerd" on an eclectic range of urban development and local history topics (which is mostly true, except he's Dutch Canadian). Dennis loves discovering the hidden connections between cities, stories, and history, and over the years has led more than a dozen compelling, entertaining, and popular Jane's Walk tours, including: Sir John A. Macdonald Gets an Eyeful, Necropolis Now! Monuments to Dead People, When Henry Met Sammy Alternate Histories of Ottawa, Ghosts of Wellington Street, and many others.

Guide:

Dennis Van Staalduinen

When:
Date:Sat May 3, 2025
Time:3:30 PM
Duration: 1 hour 30 min
Language: English
Where:
Start:Major's Hill Park
End:Library & Archives Canada
Area:Market/Parliament Hill
Distance:2.0 kms
Accessibility:

The walk will follow paved sidewalks and paths.

Walker Sign-up

Signing up is not required for this walk. If you plan to attend, by signing up you will help us estimate the group size. Please submit your email and the number of walkers that will be attending with you below.

7 walkers registered

Volunteer to Marshal This Walk