View steps canadian embassy

High Resolution JPEG Picture of "View of the steps of Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, steps away from the US Capitol.n 1972, due to the growing importance of the Canada-US relationship, the existing chancery could no longer accommodate the work and staff of the Embassy. Discussions with a number of U.S. agencies brought the 501 Pennsylvania Avenue site to Canadas attention. The property was purchased in 1978, construction began in 1986, and the Embassy was officially opened on May 3, 1989.Arthur Erikson is recognized as one of Canadas most illustrious architects. A native of Vancouver, he has won several international awards, including gold medals from both the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the American Institute of Architects. In his design of the Chancery, Erikson incorporated the use of open spaces, greenery, and waterelements that he felt best captured the spirit of Canada.The Embassy courtyard features the Rotunda of the Provinces and Territories, located on the corner of the courtyard which projects out toward Pennsylvania Avenue. The Rotunda consists of 12 pillars, which symbolize Canadas 10 provinces and two territories in existence at the time of construction. The new territory of Nunavut, which came into existence on April 1, 1999, is represented by an Inukshuk in the Embassy foyer. Surrounding the rotunda is a waterfall, incorporated by architect Erikson to represent Niagara Falls, the most famous site along the Canada-U.S. border.Like the open courtyard, the Embassy landscape symbolizes Canada. The tiers above the main entrance are planted with hawthorne trees accented by miniature white azaleas and tea roses cascading over the walls. Along the driveway are white azaleas and pink oaks. When in bloom, these shrubs give the effect of snow, a familiar sight in Canada. The courtyard also accommodates the reflecting pool where the masterpiece sculpture by the late Vancouver artist Bill Reid entitled The Spirit of the Haida Gwaii is located."