Reconstruction, 1916-1965

The Carillon

When the original bell in the Victoria Tower crashed to the ground at the height of the fire that cold night in February, the moment was recorded as one of high drama. A decade later, the new carillon rang out for the first time, broadcast across the country by radio as the Peace Tower was dedicated.

The carillon is a musical instrument consisting of 53 bells. The chimes heard on the quarter hour are the same pattern as the bells of Westminster and they are linked to the clock works. The keyboard of the carillon is located in a small room in the tower where the Dominion Carillonneur controls the bells.

The carillonneur is a highly skilled musician who must be very fit to handle the instrument. The bells are linked directly to the keyboard, and before every performance the connecting wires must be calibrated to adjust for temperature and other variables. The performer uses both hands and feet to create a magical effect that can be heard throughout the city.