Centennial Flame

The Centennial Flame is a symbolic flame located in the fountain on the walkway between the Queen's Gates and the Peace Tower of Canada's Parliament in Ottawa. It was lit on New Year's Eve 1966 by Prime Minister Lester Pearson to launch the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. It was originally meant to be extinguished at the end of 1967, but public opposition led to its permanent retention. The surrounding basin bears the coats of arms of the provinces and territories as they existed in 1966. The flame is fueled by natural gas emerging from the water and is briefly shut off during bad weather or for maintenance work.