Emblem Inspiration
INSPIRATION OF CREST
There are numerous symbols and structures across our vast country that Canadians would consider “emblematic” of our nation.
Many will identify historical landmarks and architecture while others will point to scenes and locations created by nature.
But when you ask a Canadian to describe the one image they most associate with our country, there’s a good chance they’ll name the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, and specifically, the Peace Tower.
Even permanent residents in the Capital don’t tire of that stately scene. Whether you’re gazing up from the Ottawa River towards Parliament Hill or looking through the gates on Wellington past the Centennial Flame…the House of Commons, the East and West Blocks are stunning and quintessentially Canadian.
First time visitors have a very special reaction when they see these historic and classic scenes for the first time. It never gets old, nor cliché. It is at the very centre of what Canada is and does.
When you inspect the newest CPL club emblem, you will instantly recognize the symbols within it, like the ornate shields on the Parliament building’s walls that inspired its shape.
Hopefully, supporters will get the same sense of pride in Atlético Ottawa’s crest, as they feel when seeing the very images that inspired it.
CREST BREAKDOWN
SHAPE OF THE SHIELD
The Gothic Revival inspired exterior of the Parliament building Centre Block is adorned with numerous ornate carvings and materials, many of which were inspired by a wave of patriotism following Canada’s contributions to the war effort.
THE PEACE TOWER
One of the most iconic images in our country is the stately Peace Tower on Parliament Hill whether you’re seeing it up close, or as a silhouette at night. The clock, the flag, the copper roof…the “Tower of Victory and Peace” is both a National beacon and quintessentially Ottawa.
THE CURVED ARCH
The Rideau Canal, which runs past Atlético Ottawa’s home at TD Place, features numerous bridges, both quaint and substantial. Some are made of steel, others built from stone and even timber, but most of them are distinctly curved. This detail pays tribute to the Canal’s significance, both locally and nationally.
RED & WHITE STRIPES
Atlético de Madrid is known for it’s red and white stripes, and Canada is known for its red and white flag. Federal Red and Blanc d’Ottawa living side by side, like Ontario and Quebec, English and French.
MAPLE LEAF
As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is the city that unifies Canada from Coast to Coast. In the Canadian Premier League the Spanish and Canadian capitals, Ottawa and Madrid, are now connected through the beautiful game.
INSPIRATION OF NAME
The Canadian Premier League’s newest team will play in Canada’s capital, owned by a Club from the Capital of Spain.
Both city and club are steeped in history that spans well over 100 years.
The people of Ottawa are hardworking, and want to support a club that is built on hard work, courage and a never-give-up attitude.
When it came time to name the CPL’s newest club, the approach was simple and obvious. You don’t abandon iconic; you embrace it. Attach the name of an illustrious, established footballing giant to the city most associated with Canada, and our National Capital.
Over time, supporters may come up with their own nicknames for the club, much like the people in Madrid refer to them as “Atlético” or “Atléti” or even “Los Rojiblancos” (which pays tribute to the red and white shirts.)
But the proper name, the principal identity of the CPL’s 8th club will always be Atlético Ottawa.
INSPIRATION OF COLOUR
FEDERAL RED
Canada is red. It always has been, and always will be. It’s the flag, Mounties, our National teams…and now, the primary colour of Atlético Ottawa. The CPL had yet to feature a team with vertical red stripes until now. And when a club that is known globally for its red and white stripes decides to put down roots in a city that’s always identified with red…there’s a sense of symmetry that the right club has landed in the appropriate city.
BLANC
Among the Capital City’s many dual facets is the usage of both official languages. Stripes are the perfect way of symbolizing the unity between cultures, languages, and even provinces. There is no need to characterize or interpret the usage of white in Atlético Ottawa’s palette, when all we really need to do is say it French.
RIDEAU BLUE
Ottawa’s Rideau Canal is not only iconic within the Capital City, but also recognized across Canada as a marvel of engineering. In summertime, the 202-kilometer waterway turns deep blue, serving as a haven for boaters, sightseers and dreamers. But in the winter, when the canal freezes over, the segment that passes central Ottawa becomes the world’s longest skating rink. It’s another great example of the duality of Ottawa; water and ice, recreation and function, connecting French and English along with Ontario and Quebec. And appropriately, the Canal runs straight past Atletico Ottawa’s home, TD Place.
ALTERNATE MARK
Atlético Ottawa’s secondary mark is representative of the cities: Ottawa and Gatineau. Each city is an arrow pointing up, showing the growth of soccer and our club in both regions. The arrows intersect as we aim to bring the communities together. The paddle is the river that geographically divides us while at the same time connecting us.