| Capital: Toronto Motto: Ut Inceptit Fedelis Sic Permanet (Loyal it began, loyal it remains) Flower: White Trillium Population, 1998: 11,404,750 The Land The name "Ontario" comes from the Iroquois word "Kanadario" meaning "sparkling water." The name is fitting: not only is Ontario bordered on the south by the Great Lakes and on the north by Hudson Bay, but 177 390 km2, or one sixth of its terrain, is covered by rivers and lakes. Ontario is larger than Spain and France combined. The province has a landmass of 1,068,580 sq km and is the 2nd largest province in Canada. At its greatest extremity Ontario is 690 km in width. the longest distance north/south is 1,730 km. The highest point, at 693 m above sea level, is in the District of Timiskaming, near Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park. The People With over 11 million people, Ontario is the country's most heavily populated province. While English is the official language, Ontario's Francophones play an essential part in the province's cultural life. The provincial government provides services in French in those regions where the Francophone population is sufficiently high.  Economy
Ontario is Canada's most productive province, generating some 40 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Its manufacturing industries lead the way. Ontario's competitive advantages include its natural resources, modern transportation system, large, well-educated labour force, reliable and relatively inexpensive electrical power, and proximity to key U.S. markets: less than a day's drive puts Ontario's products within reach of 120 million American consumers. Automobiles are Ontario's major manufacturing industry and most important export, employing more than 140 000 people. Motor vehicles, parts and accessories accounted for 37% of Canada's total exports in 1998. | Brampton's Heritage
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 he City of Brampton was founded as a village in 1853 in a movement lead by John Elliott and William Lawson, originally of Brampton in Cumbria, England. From our modest beginning as a colonial village in the wilderness of Upper Canada, we have grown to Canada’s 14th largest city with a current population of 352,000 people.
At the core of our city, historic downtown Brampton is home to a large number of heritage structures, some being the most historically significant in the entire Region of Peel. In addition, the city also retains a number of historic hamlets and the village of Churchville (a designated historical district), which recall the pioneer roots of this now modern and sophisticated city.  Brampton Is Opening Its Doors
 oin the excitement as Brampton opens its doors on September 20 & 21! Explore many of Brampton’s heritage buildings and those of architectural significance to our community at this free event.
 Doors Open Brampton is part of the Doors Open Ontario province-wide celebration of community heritage. The purpose of the event is to build awareness of built, cultural and natural heritage among community residents and visitors by providing free access to buildings and properties of architectural and historic value. Guided tours and site information is provided to the visitors. All buildings are staffed with volunteers knowledgeable about the buildings, their history, and the activities that take place inside. Watch for details in Brampton’s libraries, recreation centres, and municipal and heritage buildings.
| | | *Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003. |