Groundbreaking Day 22 April 2010

Official Groundbreaking: The Shovel Crew

Hard hats await the dignitaries for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The dignitary work crew attacks the heaps of clay provided for the official groundbreaking. This soil was stacked earlier on Cambridge Street -- the arch itself will be nearby on Somerset Street.

Yasir Naqvi encourages the shovel brigade to get the photographers lined up to the left of the picture.

Mayor Larry OBrien and the real construction workers and artisans from China who will actually dig the real dirt and do the heavy lifting.

Official Groundbreaking: The Table

Before a construction, owners and builders perform rituals to bless the land, bring safety to the workers, ask for good weather and ensure a smooth process in building the gateway.

 

Whole roast pig, roast chicken, fruit,rice, and ceremonial tea offerings.

Ceremonial offerings. On the left, Mr Joe holds folded paper envelopes for the burnt offering.

  

The paper offerings of money are burnt in a fire.

Official Groundbreaking: Who Came

Grace Xin, Executive Director of the Somerset-Chinatown Business Association (CBIA) is interviewed by media at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the corner of Cambridge and Somerset Streets.

Mayor Larry OBrien greets guests.

Mr Joe (Cathay Restaurant); Mr Ling, Architect; Senator Vivian Poy, Hon John Baird, MP; Bob Chiarelli, MPP and former mayor

The Ambassador of People's Republic of China; Ottawa Mayor Larry OBrien; Councillor Diane Holmes; Yasir Naqvi, MPP.

on right: Councillor Maryanne Wilkinson

John Baird gives his remarks.

Councillor Diane Holmes gives her remarks.

Invitation to Groundbreaking 22 April 2010