I lived in Ottawa during my teen years and walked miles to pet the cows at the Experimental Farm . I would have visited these cats had I known about them. Here is a bit of history:
There is a story that Colonel By brought hundreds of cats with him when he built the Rideau Canal in 1826, to take care of the rodent population, but unfortunately that cannot be confirmed. What can be confirmed is that cats were employed in the Parliament Building (as in many other building) as pest control until 1955 when they were replaced by chemicals. Until 1970 ground keepers fed the cats in various locations, when Irene Desormeaux began feeding the cats where the existing colony now resides. Rene Chartrand began helping her in the mid-nineteen eighties and began building some wooden structures (some of which can still be seen) for the cats to keep warm in. In 1987 when Irene passed on to take care of stray cats in a greater colony beyond this world, Rene took over and loyally fed the cats to this day. In 1997 Rene and a friend built the existing structures.Read more and see loads of pictures at The Cats of Parliament Hill Blog.
I know of this place and thank you for bringing attention to it on your blog.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like they have a mighty fine life.
ReplyDelete28MAY09
ReplyDeleteI recently visited Parliament Hill and the Cat Sanctuary there. I check it out each time I am in Ottawa. What a wonderful tribute to the volunteers who for decades have been so loyal---what a tribute to our country. So good to see the cats living a fine life, cared for and free.