Sign of celebration: A Sesquicentennial Public Art Sculpture launched in Sir Winston Churchill

EDMONTON, June 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Mill Woods, Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, and Marcela Diaz, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), officially unveiled a Canada 150 3D public art installation in Sir Winston Churchill Square in Edmonton, Alberta. This is one of 19 signs that will be on display across Canada as part of the Sesquicentennial celebrations.

This iconic national project is being led by TIAC, the voice of Canada's tourism industry, as a way to enhance the tourism experience across the country as part of the Canada 150 celebrations. The project is being funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage.

These gathering places will be marked by large illuminated 3D public art installations spelling out C-A-N-A-D-A-1-5-0. This is a unique national project that will span markets from coast to coast to coast and bring Canadians and visitors together across the country to celebrate this historic national milestone, creating memorable experiences and sharing unique mementos through photos and social media. Leading up to Canada Day celebrations, these public art sculptures will enhance the Canada 150 experience by creating a series of gathering places in major urban centres and iconic tourism destinations across the country to anchor Canada 150 activities and festivities by generating social media engagement and storytelling.

"During this memorable year, Canadians will have the opportunity to experience these bold Canada 150 art installations in cities across our country—a bright and beautiful way to celebrate and show our pride. I encourage Canadians of all ages to create once-in-a-generation memories by taking photos, sharing stories and coming together to celebrate what makes our country a great place to live," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

"I am proud to officially inaugurate this exciting new landmark in Edmonton, which reminds us of exactly where we are: home," said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament (Edmonton Mill Woods). "These signs are an integral part of the Canada 150 experience—and the perfect background to create lasting memories of this defining moment for our country."

"Our government is proud to have supported the construction of this sign and the 18 others like it across the country," said Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament (Edmonton Centre). "It will create an exciting gathering place here in Edmonton that will draw people of all ages and backgrounds together in celebration of all that Canada has to offer."

"TIAC is proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Department of Canadian Heritage to provide destinations across Canada with appealing art installations celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary" said Charlotte Bell, President and CEO of TIAC. "Through this initiative, we look forward to creating memories and unique keepsakes of this momentous event in Canadian history that will no doubt be widely shared on social media as positive and powerful images of Canada's natural beauty, tourist appeal and the diversity of our great nation." added Bell.

"The City of Edmonton is honoured to host the Canada 150 art installation to mark Canada's milestone anniversary," said Mayor Don Iveson. "A community gathering place, Sir Winston Churchill Square is a vibrant and welcoming venue in the heart of Edmonton's Downtown core. The 3D Canada 150 sculpture will be a great opportunity to create memorable experiences and share our stories as we proudly celebrate our common values, history and achievements."

TIAC believes that the opportunity to bring Canadians and visitors together in celebration of our history will underscore both our sense of pride as Canadians as well as our inclusiveness as a nation as we welcome visitors from all corners of Canada and the globe to join in our celebrations.

"TIAC wishes to thank the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage for her leadership and support in creating this unique initiative in celebration of Canada's sesquicentennial. We also wish to recognize the ongoing support for the tourism industry given by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, who tirelessly champions our industry" concluded Bell.

The Canada 150 3D sign installation measures 36 feet long and stands 6 feet high and will remain on display until the end of 2017.

For more information about the Canada 150 sign search the #3DCanada150 hashtag or follow TIAC on Facebook or Twitter.

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada is the only national organization representing the full cross-section of Canada's $91.6 billion tourism industry. TIAC's members include air and passenger rail services, airport authorities, local and provincial destination authorities, hotels, attractions and tour operators.

For further information: Marcela Diaz, Director, Public Affairs and Communications, Tourism Industry Association of Canada, mdiaz@tiac.travel, t: 613-238-6378

Sign of celebration: A Sesquicentennial Public Art Sculpture launched in Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton

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