Ukrainian

This is St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine in Ottawa (that's a mouthful). The picture is taken from the Hog's Back lock gates on the Rideau Canal, where it parts company from the Rideau River.

I had no idea there was such a large Ukrainian community in Canada before coming here. Apparently the Dominion government actively encouraged immigration from Ukrainians fleeing religious persecution in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they couldn't find anyone else to farm the prairies and cope with the winters. I think Ukrainians have heavily influenced the Canadian character. Maybe something to do with the social fabric of the community that saw each other through the hard winters. I don't know. It would be interesting to study.

Details: Nikon D70, 75-240mm @ 190mm, f/8, 1/1000s, ISO 200. Ottawa, 30 January 2005. Placemark.