Ottawa

Originally called Bytown, Ottawa is the capital of Canada. It is in the province of Ontario. In 2001, the city of Ottawa merged with its suburbs, primarily Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester and Orleans, to become one municipality. The population as of 2001 is approximately 1,000,000 people.

Some of the notable buildings in Ottawa include the Parliament Buildings, where Canada's government sits, 24 Sussex Drive, the home of the Prime Minister of Canada, and Rideau Hall, the home of the Governor General of Canada. Ottawa also has several museums, including the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, Canada Science and Technology Museum and Canadian Museum of Nature. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is located across the Ottawa River in Hull, Quebec.

Ottawa's primary employers are the Canadian federal government and high technology. Many publically traded companies such as Nortel, Alcatel?, [JDS Uniphase]?, Mitel? and Corel? have offices in the city.

Ottawa is home to two professional sports team, the Ottawa Senators (established 1992) of the National Hockey League and the [Ottawa Renegades]? of the [Canadian Football League]? (to begin play in 2002).

See also: Canada, Canadian provinces and territories, Canadian cities