On April 22, His Excellency Lan Lijun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada, attended the Ottawa Chinatown Gateway Groundbreaking Ceremony jointly hosted by the Government of Canada, the Government of the Province of Ontario and the Government of the City of Ottawa. Also present were Hon. John Baird, Minister of Transport, Senator Vivienne Poy, Mr. Yasir Naqvi, Member of Ontario Provincial Parliament, His Worship Mayor Larry O’Brien and other officials, along with over 100 guests from the engineering and construction team from Beijing and local representatives.

“With the joint efforts from both sides over the past year,” said Ambassador Lan, “the construction of the Chinatown Gateway is now underway…When we greet the golden season of October, an architecture of distinct Chinese royal style will rise in Ottawa. Upon completion, the Gateway will be an architectural and cultural landmark here in the capital of Canada and also a complement to the City’s urban development. This year marks the 40th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relations. The Gateway will be even more special as it will be a precious gift to our celebrations.” Ambassador Lan concluded wishing that the two sides work together to finish the construction at an early date.

Minister John Baird expressed, on behalf of Prime Minster Stephen Harper, appreciation for Beijing and communities in Canada for their contribution to the building of the Gateway. Mr. Yasir Naqvi and Mayor Larry O’Brien also commended the Project by saying that “the Gateway is an exciting project for both the Chinese community and the City of Ottawa” and that “The Gateway will be a magnificent City landmark…It will also stand as a testament to the lasting friendship between the cities of Ottawa and Beijing.”

The Gateway is scheduled to be completed by the end of September 2010.