The annual Celtic Cross Ceremony take place the 1st Monday in August to commemorate the estimated 1,000 workers and their families who died while building the Rideau Canal.

“It’s important because of the recognition our Rideau Canal has, not just to those in our city, whether it’s during the summer, or in the winter months as the world’s largest skating rink but also to the tourists as well. It’s a vision of beauty and splendor,” says Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa & District Labour Council.

Workers suffered injury from explosions, accidents, and malaria. Many workers were buried in unmarked graves.