"The Hill" is home to many voices.

It is one of the most powerful symbols of who we are as a nation. Many have said that Ottawa lives in the shadow of the Peace Tower. Few would debate that the culture of the city is influenced by this fact. Our identity as a community and our identity as a nation are inextricably linked to a degree not found in other Canadian cities.

There are many sonic spaces on this hill. Some of them are constant throughout the day and night; week to week; month to month; year to year. Others are transitory moments in time. To reflect as many of these moments and unify them in a consistent whole is a challenge. Rather like the challenge this place represents unifying the voices and spaces across Canada into something which makes sense. Or at least attempts to make sense.

"Outaouais" is an Algonquin word meaning "meeting place". The soundwalks I have done on Parliament Hill have provided a focus for listening to the many voices which come here to be heard. Which, ultimately, is what this particular meeting place is all about. Many voices, many issues, many opinions which collectively create our national soundscape.

This is the space, this is the place where Canada meets itself. Soundwalks of the Hill June 21, 2000 July 5, 2000 July 19, 2000 October 16, 2000 Sounds of the Hill Noon Bells from the Peace Tower [Listen] Changing of the Guard [Listen] Grenadiers with street sirens [Listen] Kids Voices [Listen] Excerpt from World March of Women Rally [Listen] Hear "Meeting Place" the composition created with these sounds.

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