The York Street Millennium Fountain - Ottawa, Ontario - Made for the Millennium on Waymarking.com

The text on a bronze plaque facing the fountain reads as follows:

"Jim Watson, mayor of Ottawa, officially dedicated the York Street Millennium Fountain on August 11, 2000 on behalf of Ottawa City Council. The completion of the York Street Millennium Fountain was made possible by the generosity of the diplomatic community, and the support of the Federal Millennium Bureau, the Governement of Ontario through Ontario 2000 and the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, Royal Bank Financial Group Foundation and the National Capital Commission."

Additional text on an informative panel in front of the fountain reads as follows:

"In the mid 19th Century, fresh pure drinking water was difficult to obtain in Ottawa. Residents could either purchase it from water carriers who hauled it up from the Ottawa River, or fetch it from their public well. Because of the demand for fresh water, wells and drinking fountains were among the first public works financed by the municipality. These wells and fountains were usually at prominent intersections and were designed for use by both people and animals. Many were handsomely designed in cast iron or stone and were integral parts of the streescape.

The York Street Millennium Fountain was inspired by a fountain at the intersection of George and Sussex Streets. That fountain, located on the site of a public well dating from the 180s, was probably built in the 1890s. It featured a small basin with cup on a chain facing Sussex for the public and a large through facing George for horses. Flanking it was a handsome row of trees and a gas lamp, at the fountain's centre, lit it and a nearby cab stand. The York Street Millennium Fountain serves as a reminder of an era when water, our most precious commodity, was not freely available to all and commemorate the role that the City has played in the supply of fresh water to its citizens since the 1840s."

Related web site: [Web Link] Can you tell us who created the item: Stittsville Foundry, Stittsville, Ontario Condition of the item: Great So what did YOU do for the millennium?: Climbed a mountain or similar adventure

Visit Instructions:
To record a visit to a Millennium Waymark, please:

Take a photo of the item during your visit.

Describe your visit and what you thought about the item.

Please also mention what you personally did to mark the new Millennium. Was it a night to remember?

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