Colonel By Day 2008

Each year on the first Monday in August Ontario celebrates a civic holiday, known in Ottawa as Colonel By Day after John By, the Royal Engineer in charge of the construction of the Rideau Canal. It's an opportunity, organized by the Council of Heritage Organizations of Ottawa, for local heritage groups to meet the local community. Here are some photos from this year's event.




Mary Anne Sharpe (President), Lynn Glenn, Margaret Gervais (Director), Brian Glenn (Director) and Willis Burwell (Past President) from the British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa enjoy a million dollar view over the locks.







Mike More (Chair) and Jim Stanzell (in uniform) from the Ottawa Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society.








Gary Bagley ready with good information from the United Empire Loyalists, Sir Guy Carleton Branch.









Mary Holder (archives volunteer) and John Heney (President, Friends of the City of Ottawa Archives) in front of the City Archives Display.








Mother McGuinty, Meg Hamilton (CHOO/COPO) and John Heney seek salvation.







Another view of the genealogical stands.










There was much more than genealogy








Vintage Stock Theatre players make a point about the Irish role in building the Rideau Canal.







The blacksmith from Jones Falls attracted many onlookers









Military justice was at hand for miscreants.