Earlier this summer, we asked you to suggest a community that could take over for Ottawa as Canada's new capital.
Hundreds of you suggested communities big and small, from towns in the far north to bustling cities in the heart of the country. This week we narrowed down the list to eight cities across Canada and pitted them (playfully of course) against one another.
We were left with a heated battle between Toronto and Ottawa. Yes, we asked for a new capital but felt that we should include good ol' Ottawa to see if Canadians really wanted change.
In the end, it wasn't even close. While Toronto might be Canada's largest city, its economic engine and arguably the country's cultural capital, almost 65 per cent of you picked Ottawa. While some of you might complain about the Senate, the MPs and the general political culture in our nation's capital, it's pretty clear that you love Ottawa as our nation's capital.
Here's what some of you had to say about Ottawa:
Ottawa already is equally hated across Canada - establishing a consistent level of contempt that gives citizens confidence that any place so universally hated could never treat anyone else preferentially. Canadian's innate demand for fairness makes Ottawa perfect. — Anonymous
Why change it? It's perfect — Anonymous
It is a very vibrant city at the centre of both official cultures. It is the finest of the three most beautiful cities. It is close to the centre of the country. It isn’t polluted, or at least not as polluted as most cities. It is a friendly city. The people in Ottawa in general are quite classy, stylish and are quite relaxed when dignitaries visit.
When walking through the Glebe or spending time in either of two outdoor markets one feels the international makeup of the city. Ottawa does have a real centre core and one can stroll anywhere and feel safe and not overwhelmed by a big city.
Ottawa has a real feeling of history, not just from being the capital, but a feeling of basic Canadian history. I would like it to merged with Gatineau and be given a new aboriginal name. — Bob
What do you think? What would you change about Ottawa? Is it too small to be the nation's capital, or is it just right? Do you want another city to be Canada's capital? Have your say in the comments.
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