About TEDxMechanicsville: Ensemble
Why TEDxMechanicsville?
The choice to name our event TEDxMechanicsville was rooted in the rich history and vibrant community of the Mechanicsville neighborhood in Ottawa. Situated at the northern edge of Mechanicsville, the venue, Cours Bayview Yards at 7 Bayview Station Rd., holds a significant historical legacy as the former City Works Building #4.
Renovated Cours Bayview Yards - Former City Works Building #4Constructed between 1941 and 1947, City Works Building #4 served as a hub for municipal operations, housing machinery storage and repair shops, stables, offices, and stock rooms for the City of Ottawa. This building, with its reinforced concrete construction and brick panels, stands as a testament to the modern industrial style architecture prevalent in Canada during the mid-20th century. Now home to Ottawa’s innovation hub, the building was sustainably renovated and now is a centre for fueling innovation, collaboration and facilitating impact.
Historical pre-1950 photo provided by the Mechanicsville Community Association. Mechanicsville itself has a storied past, dating back to the late 19th century when it was developed as industrial activity expanded westward from LeBreton Flats. Annexed by the city of Ottawa in 1911, Mechanicsville became home to blue-collar laborers, particularly those employed in the lumber and railyards. The neighbourhood has faced many challenges including the demolition of a substantial part of the neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s. The Mechanicsville name likely originated from its early association with skilled tradespeople, reflecting its industrious spirit.
Mechanicsville has maintained its sense of community and resilience; and stands as a testament to resilience, preserving its heritage amidst the ever-changing landscape of Ottawa's urban development. Today, it is primarily a residential area, characterized by wood-frame houses and grid streets, interspersed with older industrial zones.
By naming our TEDx event TEDxMechanicsville, we aim to celebrate the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community that defines this historic neighborhood. It serves as a tribute to the past, present, and future of Mechanicsville and by extension Ottawa, embodying the ethos of ideas worth spreading within the context of its rich cultural heritage and local significance.
Engage with us at TEDxMechanicsville as we come together to honor the past, inspire the present, and shape the future within this historic and innovative space.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is on a mission to discover and spread ideas that spark imagination, embrace possibility and catalyze impact. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
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