Sakura in the National Capital Region

Sakura trees were donated to the National Capital Region under the "Sakura Project". The first trees were donated to the region in 1992 by the Sakura Project which originated at the suggestion of then Ambassador of Japan to Canada, His Excellency Michio Mizoguchi. He thought it would be an opportune way to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Canada's confederation. Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Japanese Community in the Ottawa Region and persons with an interest in Japan more than $10,000.00 was raised to purchase Sakura trees . The Sakura has long been rooted in Japanese culture and for many centuries the theme of songs and poems.

Since Sakura is not indigenous to Canada, local climate had to be considered and it was decided initially to plant 60 trees. The "Prunus Sargentii Rancho" was selected as the trial species. The trees were accepted by then NCC Chairperson Jean Pigott in a ceremony held in Confederation Park. The NCC planted these trees in Confederation Park, Dow's Lake, Jacques Cartier Park in Hull, and in Rockcliffe Park. In 1993, 30 more trees were donated to the City of Ottawa for planting at Britannia Park.

While, as expected, some of the trees succumbed to the winter weather, the remainder grew and have blossomed for several years.

In 1999, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Canada opening a diplomatic mission in Japan, the Sakura Project expanded the planting of the flowering cherry trees to include several municipalities of the National Capital Region. In total, 210 Sakura, 60 "Prunus Sargentii and 150 "Prunus Autumn Glory", were donated to the NCC, the cities of Ottawa, Gloucester, Kanata, Hull, Aylmer, and Gatineau, Carleton University, and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada. As was the case in 1992, the trees are intended to symbolise the growing friendship between Canada and Japan and to be a token of thanks from displaced Japanese Canadians who found a home here.

A ceremonial tree planting was held in the Rockeries of Rockcliffe Park, followed by a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Katsuhisa Uchida at his nearby residence.

During the Spring of 2000, 50 additional trees were donated to the Department of Agriculture, Government of Canada, to line the road from Carling Avenue to the Department's Headquarters.

The Sakura Project is ongoing and the Sakura Committee hopes to donate more flowering cherry trees. Funds raised during the 1992 campaign have been spent.