One of Ottawa’s most photographed attractions of the summer ended its ByWard Market run over the Labour Day long weekend as organizers prepare to turn a portion of the temporary exhibition into a permanent landmark.
Inspiration Village was a core site for Ottawa 2017 programming held to commemorate Canada’s 150th anniversary. It consisted of a series of sea containers converted into artistic installations, although it was a giant “Ottawa” sign that appeared to gain the most attention on countless Instagram posts.
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Ottawa you’ve been great!! Now on to Montreal… #Ottawa #Canada #WorkingHolidayCanada #Day147
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However, not all residents and visitors were impressed. Some merchants complained about the loss of parking spots while others gave the installation a lukewarm review.
They should just pull the plug on Inspiration Village. Not very inspiring. They got it wrong. Happens.
— Dan Arcand (@DanArcand1) August 3, 2017
Officials say more than 340,000 people visited Inspiration Village since it opened on May 20. Of surveyed participants, some 49 per cent were visitors to Ottawa.
Organizers say it will take approximately 210 hours to dismantle Inspiration Village. Once the giant Ottawa sign is cleaned, it will be reinstalled in the ByWard Market, likely near the intersection of York Street and Sussex Drive.

