Construction begins to add Nunavut to Centennial Flame

Nunavutjoined the Canadian federationnearly two decades ago, but it'sonly now taking its place among the other territories and provinces surroundingthe Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill.

• Centennial Flame monument to get facelift with Nunavut images

It's no small job: the 12-sided stone fountain at the foot of the walkway leading to the Peace Tower will have to be dismantled and reconstructed to add a 13thside and a new brass shield bearing Nunavut'scoat of arms. Nunavut's official flower, the purple saxifrage, and 1999, the year it became a territory, will be engraved on the basin.

The monument,a popular backdropfor tourist photos, was fenced off Tuesday in preparation for the project. The flame at its centre has been extinguished.

The Centennial Flame was first litfor Canada's centennial celebrations in 1967, 32 years before Nunavut became the third territory.

CBC News learned this spring of the plan to adapt the monument to add Nunavut.

The Department of Canadian Heritage confirmed Wednesday the monument will be under construction throughout most of the fall, with completion expected in December.