Canada Bay, New South Wales

Canada Bay is a Local Government Area of New South Wales, Australia and located in the metropolitan area of Sydney. The city was formed in December of 2000, following the merger of Concord and Drummoyne councils. Today, the city of 59,845 covers 19.82 square kilometres.

Canada Bay's name comes from a Parramatta River bay that was half-way between Concord and Drummoyne. Following the Lower Canada Rebellion of 1837 to 1838, some French Canadians were expelled to Australia. Imprisoned at Longbottom Stockade, the convicts broke stone for the construction of Parramatta Road and collected oyster shells for making lime. In 1842, the French Canadians were allowed to work outside the prison. Between 1843 and 1844, all received pardons and, except for two people who died and one who settled in Dapto, all returned to Canada. After the rebellions, the Australian Governor General and Lord High Commissioner to Canada recommended that Britain grant responsible self government to the Union of Upper and Lower Canada. In the 1850s, the Australian colonies achieved responsible government and parliamentary democracy.

Many parts of Canada Bay indicate the city's history: Exile Bay, France Bay, Durham Street, Marceau Drive, Polding Street and Gipps Street. Bayview Park has a plaque that honours the exiles and marks the point of disembarkation.

External links

• City of Canada Bay website
• History of Canada Bay
• Canada in Australia: Canadian Department of Foreign and International Affairs