First ever Ottawa Day takes place Friday

The first ever "Ottawa Day" is being celebrated, and we find out why our next guest feels that our beautiful city needs to be honoured in such a meaningful way.

The nation’s capital will have a new tradition starting this Friday, marking the first ever Ottawa Day.

A celebration took place at Bayview Yards, Ottawa’s Innovation Hub, located at 7 Bayview Station Rd. at 5:30 p.m.

Ottawa Day is meant to celebrate the city’s unique culture and diversity, the creator and steward of Ottawa Day and president and CEO of Elevate International, Solange Tuyishime Keita, told CTV Morning Live Friday.

“Last year, as I was competing for Miss Universe Canada, I saw how the city rallied around me with so much love,” she said.

“And when I was thinking about running again, I thought about this city and what it represents, and I felt that I didn’t want to be that one person that says Ottawa is really great. I wanted to show it to the rest. And I needed to celebrate the people and the beautiful place that we have.”

Tuyishime Keita adds the day not only celebrates all things Ottawa but also gives residents the opportunity to come together, share food and celebrate “the city that gives so much.”

“I’m a refugee, so Ottawa means a lot more to me. I thought about how people used to gather at my grandmother’s house, and you could get food. You felt like you had a belonging. And this city has often reminded me of that,” she added. “So, for me, every year on June 6, everybody and every citizen of this beautiful city will gather and celebrate all things Ottawa.”

She says leaders and community builders also came together to make this happen.

“What if it was a love letter to Ottawa?“ Jennifer Stewart, the founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic said on Ottawa Day’s website.

According to Ottawa Day’s website, the day is meant to celebrate Ottawa as the heart of Canada, promote unity and pride, support local businesses and grassroots entrepreneurs, highlight the city’s diversity, generosity and innovation, and spark a wave of civic love and national visibility.

Ottawa was founded in 1826 as Bytown and became Ottawa in 1885. Ottawa Day will be an annual event, taking place on June 6 every year.

More information is available at ottawaday.ca.