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.
OBJ360 (Sponsored)

Get more at home in Weavers Way, Almonte, by Minto
Weavers Way, Almonte, is Minto’s newest community, offering homebuyers a charming small-town lifestyle with big-city convenience. Stroll through historic made-for-the-movies downtown lined with boutiques and cafés, or explore scenic trails

How CN Cycle for CHEO powers world-class cancer research
“Kids shouldn’t have to die of cancer,” says Tamy Bell when asked why Dr. Shawn Beug’s research at CHEO is so important. Bell, after all, should know: Not only is
Ottawa you’ve been great!! Now on to Montreal… #Ottawa #Canada #WorkingHolidayCanada #Day147
A post shared by Katja Alexander (@kittyxander) on
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.