Canadian Museum of Civilization , 1989
Producer, Opening Day ceremonies and events


Early in 1989, Alpha Projects International Ltd won an international competition to create and produce the opening events for the new Canadian Museum of Civilization. The new home for the Museum, the work of the well known architect, Douglas Cardinal, was designed to celebrate the heritage of Canadians from all cultures and backgrounds. As Alpha Projects’ Principal-in-charge, McClymont recruited a "cast" to reflect the inclusive character of the Museum and chose, as a metaphor for the new institution, light.

Native Canadians, the Musical Ride and Band of the RCMP, school children, multicultural groups and the Ceremonial Guard from Parliament Hill all performed. The National Aviation Museum staged a flypast with a rare WWI Sopwith "Pup". (While the Snowbirds didn’t perform as they "don’t do flypasts", they did manage to take a great photo of the Museum as they flew overhead in formation getting ready for the National Capital Airshow, which photo appeared on the front page of the Ottawa Citizen the next day.) The Prime Minister opened the Museum at a special morning ceremony. Accomplished Canadians (including Marc Garneau and Edith Butler) welcomed the opening day crowd to the new facility. The Governor General presided over a stunning finale to the day at which thousands of guests lit candles as they enjoyed a fireworks and laser spectacular that bridged the Ottawa River between the Museum and the Parliament Buildings with a canopy of light.

The project was delivered about one per cent under budget.