[BretttheRiderFan]

Can be any man-made structure built on Canadian soil

What is your personal favourite?

[1ajs]

still standing ?

[Me&You]

Considering the size and era of construction - Chateau Frontenac.

[1ajs]

theres that bridge in quebec that fell down during construction

[feepa]

The high level bridge in Edmonton. It's not much in this day and age, but when it was built, it was quite something.

[SpikePhanta]

CPR Spiral Mountain? For the time of course.
Actually I would count both CPR and CNR transcanadian railways impressive feats.

[PoscStudent]

The Rooms!
http://i993.photobucket.com/albums/af58/Poscstudent/The_Rooms.jpg
(Wikipedia)

[SHOFEAR]

this deserves a mention

http://www.solarnavigator.net/images/oil_platform_rig_hibernia.jpg

source solarnavigator.net

[PhilippeMtl]

My Top 5:

5) Jacques Cartier Bridge, Montreal
http://imagecache6.allposters.com/LRG/26/2661/6DGUD00Z.jpg
Source: Allposters.com

4) First, Canadian Place, Toronto
http://www.cbc.ca/toronto/features/greengrowsup/images/first-canadian.jpg
Source: CBC.ca

3) Pont de Quebec, Quebec
http://www.bluequebec.com/wp-content/imgdir/2008_03/dscn0867.jpg
Source: bluequebec.com
2) Confederation Bridge, NB-PEI
http://www.cbc.ca/sevenwonders/images/pic_wonder_confederation_bridge_sm.jpg
Source:CBC.ca
1) CN Tower, Toronto
http://www.deecee.de/uploads/pics/boobs_tower_illusion.jpg
Source: deecee.de

[MonkeyRonin]

Impressive in its architectural quality? Impressive in its size and scale? Impressive as an engineering feat? Some combination of the above?

[The_Architect]

Commerce Court North in Toronto, one of the best skyscrapers ever built in the country..

http://www.billwrigley.com/toronto/08.jpg

http://media.thestar.topscms.com/images/7e/c0/818303cd40ca8dab3d724727186a.jpeg

[Nicko999]

Might not by the most impressive but it is one of my favorite building.:)

http://blog.la76.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Expo_67_Habitat_67_002.jpg
http://blog.la76.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Expo_67_Habitat_67_002.jpg

[The_Architect]

Habitat was a very interesting design but damn is it ugly in some pictures..

[SpongeG]

i think igloos are pretty impressive

http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/data/media/9/inupiat-eskimo-igloo_438.jpg
source (http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/inupiat-eskimo-igloo-438-pictures.htm)

[vid]

Manitoba's Legislative Building. It's almost the perfect building.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Legislative_Building

To build it today would be virtually impossible, due to cost and lack of skilled labour to recreate the details in the structure.

[freeweed]

I'd have to go with the CN Tower (that pic certainly sways my opinion). It's one of those vanity type projects that so rarely gets built in Canada. And I highly doubt we'll ever see another like it. It's just so damned brash, moreso considering when it was built. It really does stand as Toronto's statement on where it saw itself heading in the future.

The Red River Floodway deserves an honorable mention, although I'm not sure it can be defined as a "structure" per se. It's one of Canada's engineering marvels - especially because it's virtually unknown outside of Manitoba.

[Dirt_Devil]

Manitoba's Legislative Building. It's almost the perfect building.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitoba_Legislative_Building

To build it today would be virtually impossible, due to cost and lack of skilled labour to recreate the details in the structure.

While I agree Manitoba's legislature building is impressive, I have to admit that BC's Legislature is probably my favorite. Québec parliament is a close second.

[skrish]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4535732298_6bf2d5b05f_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/newcombe/4535732298/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3753990080_1c5bdae1f0_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/daewang/3753990080/

[trueviking]

^ the original parliament was more impressive....the library is one of the finest structures to ever be constructed in canada:

http://www.uppercanadahistory.ca/pp/pp8p1d.jpg

http://z.about.com/d/canadaonline/1/7/7/1/parlbldgsfreshstart.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2380535935_bfefe3c4a9.jpg?v=0

http://z.about.com/d/canadaonline/1/7/7/1/parlbldgsfreshstart.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2380535935_bfefe3c4a9.jpg?v=0
http://www.uppercanadahistory.ca/pp/pp8p1d.jpg

[Gresto]

I'd have to go with the CN Tower (that pic certainly sways my opinion).
I don't know about your opinion, but she sure is swaying, struggling to balance and stay upright against the immutable gravitational pull of those massive jugs.

[whiteford]

CN tower, then the Bow.

[MonkeyRonin]

^ the original parliament was more impressive....

http://www.uppercanadahistory.ca/pp/pp8p1d.jpg


Looks pretty similar to the newer one to me, just with a smaller tower.

[haljackey]

CN tower, then the Bow.

The Bow has not been built yet. :P Soon...

I like Scotiabank Plaza. It gets my vote for the best tall building.
http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2008/04/medium_ScotiaPlaza_sky_pic.jpg

For smaller ones, how about the Federal Government building? Art Deco at it's finest.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/London-OntarioGovtBldg.jpg

I also like(d) the Skydome.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/wonder/structure/images/sky2_dome_1.jpg

[Only The Lonely..]

I'd have to say any of the old railroad hotels built in the Rockies.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4535732298_6bf2d5b05f_b.jpg

When one considers the manpower involved, and having to drag building materials through such a rugged terrain, these buildings are a true marvel to both architecture and the human spirit alike.

The Railroad through the rockies would probably count as well.

[Only The Lonely..]

For smaller ones, how about the Federal Government building? Art Deco at it's finest.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/London-OntarioGovtBldg.jpg


Winnipeg has its lost twin..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2451092278_400417d421.jpg

[freeweed]

The Railroad through the rockies would probably count as well.

Good point, the CPR itself is by far the largest and most impressive thing ever constructed in this country. That being said, it's hard to say that an entire rail system could qualify as a "structure".

[Only The Lonely..]

The Red River Floodway deserves an honorable mention, although I'm not sure it can be defined as a "structure" per se. It's one of Canada's engineering marvels - especially because it's virtually unknown outside of Manitoba.

I'd agree with you here.

http://www.ec.gc.ca/eau-water/A72E1D54-565C-41BA-B313-EBD6045C5CD4/O.jpg

The floodway has paid for itself in spades since its inception, saving Winnipeg from becoming a giant lake with each passing spring.


The Red River Floodway is an artificial flood control waterway in Western Canada, first used in 1969. It is a 47 km (29 mile) long channel which, during flood periods, takes part of the Red River's flow around the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba to the east and discharges it back into the Red River below the dam at Lockport. It can carry floodwater at a rate of up to 2,550 cubic metres (91,700 cubic feet) per second. It was built partly in response to the disastrous 1950 Red River flood.

The Floodway was pejoratively nicknamed "Duff's Ditch" by opponents of its construction, after Premier Duff Roblin, whose Progressive Conservative government initiated the project. It was completed in time and under budget. Subsequent events have vindicated the plan. Used over 20 times in the 37 years from its completion to 2006, the Floodway has saved an estimated $10 billion (CAD) in flood damages. The "Duff's Ditch" term is still used affectionately.

[Kitchissippi]

I'd probably begin with the Fortress of Louisbourg which almost bankrupted France at the time:
http://www.acadian-cajun.com/lburg.jpg

[freeweed]

:previous: OTL, you shoulda quoted the more impressive part from Wikipedia:

The construction was a major undertaking with 76.5 million cubic metres (2.75 billion cubic feet) of earth excavated—more than what was moved for the Suez Canal. At the time, the project was the second largest earth-moving project in the world – next only to the construction of the Panama Canal.

On July 4, 2008, the International Association of Macro Engineering Societies recognized the floodway as one of the 16 engineering achievements that shaped the world since biblical times.

All just to protect one small Canadian city. It's an amazing accomplishment on the global scene.

[SpikePhanta]

Good point, the CPR itself is by far the largest and most impressive thing ever constructed in this country. That being said, it's hard to say that an entire rail system could qualify as a "structure".

Yeah, the whole thing was amazing, especially the rockies portion, same goes for the Cn line.

If one had to pick one part of the CP, it would be the Spiral Tunnel for sure.

[dsim249]

The floodway has paid for itself in spades since its inception, saving Winnipeg from becoming a giant lake with each passing spring.

Doesn't Winnipeg still have issues quite frequently with flooding?

As for my favorite(s)...

I'd have to say (like some others) our château-style Railway hotels. We may not have castles in Canada, but these are the next best thing.

My favourites are Château Frontenac, Château Laurier, Banff Springs, Macdonald, and of course The Bessborough. :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3733489165_652b8f716d.jpg
Source (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2463/3733489165_652b8f716d.jpg)
The lightning is effing real, ok??!

[Dirt_Devil]

What about Manic 5 dam?



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Barrage_Manic5.png/800px-Barrage_Manic5.png

Source: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Barrage_Manic5.png


http://www.csduroy.qc.ca/docs/i_sites/csduroy/95manicfermont044manic5.gif

From: http://www.csduroy.qc.ca/docs/i_sites/csduroy/95manicfermont044manic5.gif

[The_Architect]

I'd have to say (like some others) our château-style Railway hotels. We may not have castles in Canada, but these are the next best thing.

Wanna bet? :D

http://0.tqn.com/d/gocanada/1/0/4/1/-/-/Casa_Loma.JPG

http://images.travelpod.com/users/kitkatgo/99.1214939580.back-of-casa-loma.jpg

[Canadian Mind]

Doesn't Winnipeg still have issues quite frequently with flooding?


If it wasn't for the floodway the city wouldn't have existed after 1996.

I can't choose a specific building. But my favourites include any one of the gothic-inspired parliament & legislative buildings buildings, any one of the railway hotels, the Quebec Citadel, Louisburg, CN tower, and the railways.

[Distill3d]

My top 5:

5. Mormon Temple, Cardston, AB:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/starfcuk/brandys%20laptop/100_1174.jpg
(self)

I'm neither Mormon, nor religious, but this is a nifty structure.

4. Canada Olympic Park, Calgary, AB:

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j155/starfcuk/COP.jpg
(self)

3. Olympic Stadium/Tower of Montreal/BioDome, Montreal, PQ:

http://expo67.ncf.ca/drapeau10.jpg
(google)

2. Prince of Wales Fort, Churchill, MB and Citadel, Halifax, NS (tied):

Churchill:
http://www.lazybearlodge.com/lib/images/lodge/prince-of-wales-lg.jpg

Halifax:
http://www.vte.qc.ca/uploads/Images/Halifax/Halifax-Citadelle.jpg

(google)

1. The collective shipping ports of Metro Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, BC:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3693796674_556ace8886.jpg

http://www.canadiansailings.ca/Portals/0/Apr_10/pix_sep27/LEAD_RobertsBank_1.jpg
(google for both)

[Jamaican-Phoenix]

Most impressive structure in Canadian history? The TransCanada Railway. Either that, or the Confederation Bridge.

[koops65]

This one impresses me: worlds tallest totem pole, in Alert Bay, BC, 56.4M or 173ft

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5130/5254872730_c5c7496648_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11485387@N04/5254872730/)
Credit - Brian Chestnut on wikipedia.com

[trueviking]

Looks pretty similar to the newer one to me, just with a smaller tower.

the old parliament building was softer, much more ornate....more elegant.

[RTA]

After I read about the Rideau Canal and its locks, I would have to give that one props in this thread even just for the fact that it is still in operation today after being completed in 1832.

[samne]

CN Tower
Parliament Hill
Confederation Bridge
Rideau Canal
James Bay Hydro

Kinda in order, but all arguable.

[MolsonExport]

the jug girl.

[Traynor]

To be more inclusive of some of the nominees, the thread title should be changed to "Most Impressive Canadian Feats of Engineering". While I am all for the inclusion of the Rideau Canal, it is strictly speaking, not a single structure. Nor are some of the other well deserving projects listed so far.

[Traynor]

Except the Jug Girl... She is included without a doubt.

:D

[MolsonExport]

Anyone mention the fugly teepee in Medicine Hat? Fugly!

[MolsonExport]

In all seriousness, there is also Canada's largest church, the Basilique Notre Dame in Montreal (c. 1823).

[mike474]

I think the Oratory is larger, but they both deserve a mention.

[BretttheRiderFan]

In all seriousness, there is also Canada's largest church, the Basilique Notre Dame in Montreal (c. 1823).

Visited Montreal for Grey Cup in 2008, the inside of Notre Dame has some of the most beautiful architecture I've seen anywhere in Canada

http://www.quebecensaisons.com/printemps2009/images/photo_basilique1g.jpg

http://www.nikinakinu.com/uploads/processed/0932/0908081649321notre_dame_fs.jpg

[freeweed]

After finally seeing gothic cathedrals up close and in person, I have to say that our Notre Dame is a pale imitation. It's not quite as tacky as Vegas (nothing is), but it has a bit of that faux feel to it.

The Oratory is still impressive as all hell, especially the massive stairs and its placement up on the hill.

[The_Architect]

After finally seeing gothic cathedrals up close and in person, I have to say that our Notre Dame is a pale imitation. It's not quite as tacky as Vegas (nothing is), but it has a bit of that faux feel to it.

The Oratory is still impressive as all hell, especially the massive stairs and its placement up on the hill.

Agreed. I like the Oratory and Mary Queen of the World Cathedral a lot better..
Mary Queen of the World exterior and Notre Dame interior would be the best by far..

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c7/Montreal_MReine1a_tango7174.jpg/800px-Montreal_MReine1a_tango7174.jpg

[Highinthesky]

What no mention of the West Edmonton Mall?

[haljackey]

What no mention of the West Edmonton Mall?

It's a mall. Is that really the most important structure ever in Canada's history?

This thing brought the whole country together. Without it, Canada may very well be a different place today.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Eastbound_over_SCB.jpg

[freeweed]

Architect, that is a GORGEOUS building. How is it possible that I've never seen it before?? My brother used to live at Peel and Dr. Penfield too; I must have walked by it dozens of times. What a bizarre and interesting mix of styles.

Damn, apparently I *was* too drunk in my Montreal sojurns.

[freeweed]

This thing brought the whole country together. Without it, Canada may very well be a different place today.

Without the CPR, what is now western Canada would almost certainly be part of the USA. BC for sure, and a goodly chunk of the old NWT if you ask me.

[Highinthesky]

The thread is just most impressive not most important. Sure on a scare of importance nothing will ever touch the Railroad as you could argue that the railroad created Canada. Due to the size of West Edmonton Mall I was very impressed when I visited.

[240glt]

^^^ I think he was being facetious. EDIT: maybe not ?

I was gonig to mention the railway but it's not really a structure. But yes the rail line though the Rockies is quite the engineering marvel

[Traynor]

It's a mall. Is that really the most important structure ever in Canada's history?...

I suppose we all interpret the title in our own way, but it doesn't explicitly ask for the most important, it asks for impressive. Maybe some people are more impressed by a mall. The act of being impressed is very subjective and can not be quantified.

[Highinthesky]

I think people can get hung up on the fact that its a mall. If the CN Tower had a Mall at the top would it be any less impressive?

[freeweed]

I suppose we all interpret the title in our own way, but it doesn't explicitly ask for the most important, it asks for impressive. Maybe some people are more impressed by a mall. The act of being impressed is very subjective and can not be quantified.

Very True. Although I'd kinda question the sanity of someone impressed by a big mall over thousands of kilometers of rail. West Edmonton Mall is impressive when compared to your local 7-11, but it's really nothing more than a bunch of big box stores glued together fundamentally. The CPR is how many thousands of km of steel (how long IS it, anyway?) and fundamentally shaped the layout of half of this country. Just look at how many cities and towns were founded and/or grew into prominence solely because of the CPR.

I guess if you don't know your history or geography, and you just look at a section of track and think "wow, some steel rails" - yeah, it's not terribly impressive.

That being said, as a kid I was more wow'd by WEM than anything else in my childhood. The place was just amazing to a small town kid like me.

[freeweed]

I think people can get hung up on the fact that its a mall. If the CN Tower had a Mall at the top would it be any less impressive?

If WEM was not a mall, and was just a warehouse, no one would consider it impressive in the slightest. People here aren't saying it's not impressive BECAUSE it's a mall, they're saying that just because it's a big mall does not make it impressive. If that makes sense.

The CN Tower is impressive in its own right (tallest freestanding structure in the world for 30 years, etc), regardless of what it contains. It's cool with the observation deck and restaurant, but without those it was still a major architectural accomplishment for Canada. Nothing's bigger than the CN, but I can think of many buildings bigger than WEM.

[Flamesrule]

I think I'd have to go with MolsonExpert. I love that church.

[Gerrard]

The set of the Polka Dot Door.

[Highinthesky]

It did hold all kinds of world largest titles at one point or another. I think it was the largest shopping centre for over 20 years. Largest indoor water park, largest indoor amusement park.

[BretttheRiderFan]

One thing that REALLY impressed me is Montreal's underground city

From Wikipedia Montreal's Underground City (officially RÉSO or La Ville Souterraine in French) is the set of interconnected complexes (both above and below ground) in and around Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is also known as the indoor city (ville intérieure), and is the largest underground complex in the world.[1]

Not all portions of the indoor city (ville intérieure) are underground. The connections are considered tunnels architecturally and technically, but have conditioned air and good lighting as any building's liveable space does. Many tunnels are large enough to have shops on both sides of the passage. With over 32 km (20 mi) of tunnels spread over more than 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi), connected areas include shopping malls, apartment buildings, hotels, condominiums, banks, offices, museums, universities, seven metro stations, two commuter train stations, a regional bus terminal and the Bell Centre amphitheatre and arena.[citation needed] There are more than 120 exterior access points to the underground city. Each access point is an entry point to one of 60 residential or commercial complexes comprising 3.6 km2 (1.4 sq mi) of floor space, including 80% of all office space and 35% of all commercial space in downtown Montreal.[citation needed] In winter, some 500,000 people use the underground city every day. Because of its Underground City, Montreal is often referred to[by whom?] as the "Double-Decker City" or "Two Cities in One".





And a similar situation in Toronto that was equally impressive to me (especially since it was -10 outside and we could walk around downtown without freezing our asses off)

PATH is a 28-kilometre (17 mi) network of pedestrian tunnels beneath the office towers of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to Guinness World Records, PATH is the largest underground shopping complex in the world with 371,600 m² (4 million sq. ft.) of retail space.[1]

The PATH network's northerly point is the Toronto Coach Terminal at Dundas Street and Bay Street, while its southerly point is the Metro Toronto Convention Centre's Convention South Building. Its main axes of walkways generally parallel Yonge Street and Bay Street.

[davidivivid]

Since we are talking about churches, I am a big fan of the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/4007666053_71f5576745_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8253234@N08/4007666053/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3038/2721313968_37552dd46f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/droid13/2721313968/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[vid]

It's impressive that a mall that large was built in Edmonton when it only had 657,000 people in its CMA.

[BretttheRiderFan]

It's impressive that a mall that large was built in Edmonton when it only had 657,000 people in its CMA.

If you build it, they will come!

[SHOFEAR]

i really don't get whats so impressive about thses churches.... Sure they look amazing but Europe was building bigger and more detailed ones centuries prior. Whats impressive about building a something 600 years after everybody else?

[BretttheRiderFan]

:previous: Man I need to get to Quebec City, hopefully the next year or two

I've literally never heard a negative comment about that city

[BretttheRiderFan]

i really don't get whats so impressive about thses churches.... Sure they look amazing but Europe was building bigger and more detailed ones centuries prior. Whats impressive about building a something 600 years after everybody else?

The title is Canadian history, not world history

And supplies and workforce involved in these buildings were quite slim compared to in Europe I'd think

This got me thinking, is there much left from pre-New France era Canada (AKA Native times) that is still standing today?

[davidivivid]

:previous: Man I need to get to Quebec City, hopefully the next year or two

I've literally never heard a negative comment about that city

Well, as much as I love my hometown, I could still point out a few negative things (SPRAWLLLLLLLLL) but then again, my mother always told me not to wash my dirty linen in public!!! ;)

[BretttheRiderFan]

Well, as much as I love my hometown, I could still point out a few negative things (SPRAWLLLLLLLLL) but then again, my mother always told me not to wash my dirty linen in public!!! ;)

You're talkin' to an Albertan, sprawl is my middle name :haha:

http://urbancsa.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/tp-cgy-urban-sprawl.jpg?w=306&h=172

[The_Architect]

Well, as much as I love my hometown, I could still point out a few negative things (SPRAWLLLLLLLLL) but then again, my mother always told me not to wash my dirty linen in public!!! ;)

I heard from my planning professor a bit ago that Quebec actually has the most freeway per capita in Canada..

[Nouvellecosse]

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9956/mtlplanmetro.jpg

[davidivivid]

I heard from my planning professor a bit ago that Quebec actually has the most freeway per capita in Canada..

It's what I've heard as well. I've recently read an article which stated that the highway system in the region adds up to about 490km. When we factor in the population, Quebec City has indeed the most freeway per capita in Canada and the 3rd in North America. However, the sprawl era seems to be behind us and higher densification near the core is under way (Dieu merci).


*Now back to the subject at hand: what about the fortifications of Quebec City, which would comprise the Citadel and 4,6 km of walls protecting the old city.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3944662152_9416d0340f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/urban_lenny/3944662152/sizes/l/in/photostream/

[vid]

This got me thinking, is there much left from pre-New France era Canada (AKA Native times) that is still standing today?

Except for Inuksuit, I doubt it. Everything they built was temporary, since they were mostly nomadic back then. Any traditional native construction that is still standing is probably something that was built alongside European explorers. I think there are some longhouses in Southern Ontario.

[BretttheRiderFan]

Except for Inuksuit, I doubt it. Everything they built was temporary, since they were mostly nomadic back then. Any traditional native construction that is still standing is probably something that was built alongside European explorers. I think there are some longhouses in Southern Ontario.

Oldest structure in Canada must be L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland built by the Norse 1000 years ago

[freeweed]

Except for Inuksuit, I doubt it. Everything they built was temporary, since they were mostly nomadic back then. Any traditional native construction that is still standing is probably something that was built alongside European explorers. I think there are some longhouses in Southern Ontario.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump would be a good contender. While it wasn't a "structure" in the traditional sense, much of the original foundation holes for posts and rocks etc have been uncovered. It's actually somewhat like Stonehenge in this sense, if you take away the standing stones in the middle. Stonehenge (and a lot of prehistoric Britain) is about much more than just the standing stones. Most of it is buried or just impressions in the ground.

But yeah, with every native tribe that I'm aware of being at least semi-nomadic, I don't think we have any "structures" of note. Some petroglyphs and the odd buffalo jump, and that's about it.

[mr.John]

I'm surprised the James bay hydro project hasn't got mentioned more often, when everything is finally completed the cost will be over 20 billion dollars (money well spent for a change) making Quebec the Saudi Arabia of hydro electricity

[BretttheRiderFan]

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump would be a good contender. While it wasn't a "structure" in the traditional sense, much of the original foundation holes for posts and rocks etc have been uncovered. It's actually somewhat like Stonehenge in this sense, if you take away the standing stones in the middle. Stonehenge (and a lot of prehistoric Britain) is about much more than just the standing stones. Most of it is buried or just impressions in the ground.

But yeah, with every native tribe that I'm aware of being at least semi-nomadic, I don't think we have any "structures" of note. Some petroglyphs and the odd buffalo jump, and that's about it.

I thought Stonehenge without stones was just a field? :laugh:

[freeweed]

I thought Stonehenge without stones was just a field? :laugh:

Technically so is L'Anse aux Meadows. And most other prehistoric archaeological sites, for that matter.

If you were being serious though - no, Stonehenge is much more than just the obvious stones.

[freeweed]

I'm surprised the James bay hydro project hasn't got mentioned more often, when everything is finally completed the cost will be over 20 billion dollars (money well spent for a change) making Quebec the Saudi Arabia of hydro electricity

I think that speaks more to how pitiful hydro is as an energy source than anything. (In terms of its contribution to the global whole)

[vid]

It's remoteness and the fact that it is in Quebec probably results in people overlooking it.

If you want pitiful hydro dams, the largest in Northern Ontario are tiny compared to those in Quebec.

[matt602]

I think the Toronto Power Generating Station in Niagara Falls is fairly impressive, as are the other generating statations there (Rankine, Ontario Power, Adam Beck I/II). I have been in the sublevels of the TPC station and it was one of the most amazing feats of engineering I have ever experienced.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Power_Generating_Station

[jeremy_haak]

It should be pointed out that the First Nations in S. Ontario were never really nomadic, nor were they particularly nomadic on the west coast. They didn't really do much building with stone though, so the structures haven't withstood the tolls of time. Totem poles are one exception, as are the various effigy mounds (probably the oldest constructed features in N. America), a few of which exist in Ontario.

[whiteford]

I thought Stonehenge without stones was just a field? :laugh:

what about the olden times structure's in Alberta. things such as the Badlands Guardian. that is by far the most impressive ancient structure in the world. they try to sell it as a natural anomalies, but there is just no way. long ago someone built that thing. same with the ancient hydro protects near bye in southern Sask. massive. Google earth has exposed many things that were unknown.

[Dwils01]

I think that Commerce Court North in Toronto is one of the most impressive buildings in Canada. My favourite being the CN Tower because of it's height and the picture on the first page. But I few other projects that I think are very impressive is James Bay Hydro and the Confederation Bridge.

[Biff]

*Now back to the subject at hand: what about the fortifications of Quebec City, which would comprise the Citadel and 4,6 km of walls protecting the old city.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/3944662152_9416d0340f_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/urban_lenny/3944662152/sizes/l/in/photostream/


Are you actually allowed to sit right near the edge of a wall (public space) that appears to be approximately 30 to 40 feet high right over a roadway with no protective barriers?

That is mind boggling. Have there ever been any incidents where someone has fallen off?

[-Harlington-]

Are you actually allowed to sit right near the edge of a wall (public space) that appears to be approximately 30 to 40 feet high right over a roadway with no protective barriers?

That is mind boggling. Have there ever been any incidents where someone has fallen off?


The Citadel in Halifax has a large drop off as well
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/62938346_76ea4bce3d_m.jpg


Except we have a fence type deal:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/2774508964_f84104a941_m.jpg


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/378008848_ebe1695ad2_m.jpg

[freeweed]

It should be pointed out that the First Nations in S. Ontario were never really nomadic, nor were they particularly nomadic on the west coast. They didn't really do much building with stone though, so the structures haven't withstood the tolls of time. Totem poles are one exception, as are the various effigy mounds (probably the oldest constructed features in N. America), a few of which exist in Ontario.

Semi-nomadic, or non-agrarian anyway. They never developed the need for larger societies like we saw in areas further south.

[freeweed]

what about the olden times structure's in Alberta. things such as the Badlands Guardian. that is by far the most impressive ancient structure in the world. they try to sell it as a natural anomalies, but there is just no way. long ago someone built that thing. same with the ancient hydro protects near bye in southern Sask. massive. Google earth has exposed many things that were unknown.

Much like vid's picture of Ontario looking like an elephant (maybe you can report that here, dude) - human beings have a tendency to see patterns where none exist. The badlands guardian is just another in a series of thousands of similar landforms all around that area. Plus, I don't believe there's a single shred of archeological evidence of any human workings on it.

Thunder Bay has its sleeping giant, the US used to have its old man of the mountain, Tunnel Mountain in Banff looks like a sleeping bison... we have thousands of these landforms that in our eyes "look like something".

[kool maudit]

human beings have a tendency to see patterns where none exist.


once it's seen, it exists.

[Coldrsx]

I cannot believe everyone has overlooked this thus far...

http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg
(http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg)

[davidivivid]

Are you actually allowed to sit right near the edge of a wall (public space) that appears to be approximately 30 to 40 feet high right over a roadway with no protective barriers?

That is mind boggling. Have there ever been any incidents where someone has fallen off?

Well, it is possible to go on the multiple gates situated throughout the city. Hence, there are fences situated at these particular points to prevent access to the walls. However, as I said before, the walls are 4.6 km long so it would be impractical and expensive to put fences everywhere. I do not know if it is permitted to walk on it but I would suppose it isn't!!! I've never seen someone being asked to get out of the walls nor have I heard about someone falling to the ground.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2529980859_398e829b2c_z.jpg


That being said, the picture that I posted previously is particular because this area of the wall is situated next to the Place d'Youville, where shows are often presented. Therefore, you can have a great view of the show from the walls!!! Here is this view:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/1332903267_1ef07544b3_z.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12737852@N03/1332903267/sizes/z/in/photostream/

[SpikePhanta]

It should be pointed out that the First Nations in S. Ontario were never really nomadic, nor were they particularly nomadic on the west coast. They didn't really do much building with stone though, so the structures haven't withstood the tolls of time. Totem poles are one exception, as are the various effigy mounds (probably the oldest constructed features in N. America), a few of which exist in Ontario.

Totems poles don't even last that long though...
They last at most 100 years then nature reclaims it.

Also on top of the list fireweed listed, they are a few more that come to mind... The face on the mountain near Jasper, The twin lions in Vancouver.

[jeremy_haak]

Semi-nomadic, or non-agrarian anyway. They never developed the need for larger societies like we saw in areas further south.

I'm not sure that's accurate about the Huron. Unless you consider moving a village every ten years semi-nomadic.

[Distill3d]

I cannot believe everyone has overlooked this thus far...

http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg
(http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg)

Meh. 15 years ago maybe, but she's showing signs of weathering and irrelevance now. :yes:

[MolsonExport]

I cannot believe everyone has overlooked this thus far...

http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg
(http://sabbah.biz/mt/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pamela_anderson_baywatch.jpg)

tasty tasty tasty!!!! :banana: :slob: :slob: :slob: :slob:

now she looks like a piece of leather. But back then, wholly shit, whattababe. :tup:

[Mister F]

Architect, that is a GORGEOUS building. How is it possible that I've never seen it before?? My brother used to live at Peel and Dr. Penfield too; I must have walked by it dozens of times. What a bizarre and interesting mix of styles.

Damn, apparently I *was* too drunk in my Montreal sojurns.
Ironic that he posted that in response to your comment about Notre Dame being faux. Mary Queen of the World is a block for block copy of St. Peter's in Rome. But smaller of course. If you think it's impressive, go see the real thing!

[Dmajackson]

Are you actually allowed to sit right near the edge of a wall (public space) that appears to be approximately 30 to 40 feet high right over a roadway with no protective barriers?

That is mind boggling. Have there ever been any incidents where someone has fallen off?

Thats like asking why people are allowed to walk on the rocks at Peggy's Cove when every year there are multiple cases of people getting swept out to sea.

Where I grew up there used to be a 100+ foot cliff in a public park that had no protection whatsoever despite being well known for being a hangout for what I'll call the "funner side of life". ;)

[freeweed]

I'm not sure that's accurate about the Huron. Unless you consider moving a village every ten years semi-nomadic.

That's kinda what I meant. Without the need to build "permanent" structures, because they kept moving around so much - we never really saw anything lasting built before European discovery. I don't know what an "official" definition of semi-nomadic would be, but that's how I think of it. Settle down for a few years, then move on. As opposed to moving every season/year like most tribes did.