Ottawa's new mural honours a forgotten 1940s Chinese hockey team
A vibrant new mural has appeared in Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood, celebrating a little-known piece of local history. Titled Chinese Aces Skate the Canal, the artwork honours Ottawa's first all-Chinese hockey team while adding a splash of colour to Bank Street. Artist Tia Wong, a long-time Glebe resident, drew on community stories and her own family ties to create the piece.
The mural sits on the side of Fairy Dreams Bridal, replacing the former Glebe Emporiumβa spot filled with nostalgia for many locals. Wong's design weaves together several elements: the Rideau Canal, a nod to the short 2024 skating season and the growing effects of climate change, as well as vintage details like old $5 bills featuring kids playing hockey and early Tim Hortons cups.
At the heart of the artwork is the story of the Chinese Aces, a hockey team active from 1941 to 1946. The players, including members of Wong's own family, once practised on the Rideau Canal before it became a formal skateway. Beyond the sport, they raised funds for war relief in China through their games. Their legacy, though often overlooked, is now immortalised in bold strokes on Bank Street. The project came to life thanks to funding from the City of Ottawa and support from the Glebe Business Improvement Area (BIA). While this marks the first BIA-backed mural in the neighbourhood since 2020, reactions have been mixed. Glebe resident Savannah Blake enjoys the burst of colour and storytelling but hopes for more historical context alongside the art. Meanwhile, Irene Mei, owner of Fairy Dreams Bridal, sees the mural as a celebration of Ottawa's cultural diversity through public art.
The Chinese Aces Skate the Canal mural now stands as both a tribute and a conversation starter. It highlights a team that broke barriers in the 1940s while reflecting modern concerns like climate change and community identity. For visitors and residents, the artwork offers a glimpse into a rich, often untold chapter of Ottawa's past.
