I'm a big fan of Candy Chang's work in New Orleans who constantly comes up with great ideas to make cities more comfortable for people. Inspired by one of her projects called Neighborland, here's my list of what I feel would make Ottawa a better place to live in.- More plants and flowers outside
- Cleaner streets
- More fountains
- More parks and nice places for people to hang out
- More stylish boutiques on Bank Street
- Better shopping options on Sparks Street
- Nicer dance clubs
- Nicer and more creative window displays
- Better care and maintenance of existing buildings
- Cool coffee shops opened till 3 AM
- Less pubs and more lounges
What do you want in Ottawa? Feel free to add your own list in the comments below or on our Facebook page. Check back often for updates.
SIRS ( Hon. Jim Watson, Mr. Mark Taylor, and Dan Bird ( assistant to Councillor Taylor: HERE IS A SUGGESTION TO MAKE THIS CITY UP TO PAR TO OTHER GREAT CITIES OF THE WORLD: PLEASE SEND THE IDEA TO TOURISM OTTAWA or NCC.
ReplyDeleteSINCE OTTAWA IS PLANNING TO CHANGE THE FRONT NEXT SUMMER OF THE CITY HALL INTO A MUSICAL CAFE PARK, WHY NOT HAVE THE DINER EN BLANC EVENT LIKE IN MONTREAL!!! SEE BELOW:
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YESTERDAY, MONTREAL HAD THEIR DINER EN BLANC.
OTTAWA SHOULD DEFINITELY THINK ABOUT JOINING THE REST OF THE WORLD FOR THIS EVENT!!! view this site:
http://athome.kimvallee.com/2009/08/elegant-diner-en-blanc-party-in-montreal/
Miss Diane Monette
dimonette@sympatico.ca
Here's my list:
ReplyDelete1. Better shopping options on Sparks and retiling with similar tile to new plaza across from convention centre.
2. Introduce design standards for residential and commercial development.
3. Waterfront development at Dow's Lake, Rideau Canal and Chaudiere Falls/Victoria Island.
4. Retail brands at our major malls already available in other cities.
5. More fun attractions like amusement parks.
6. More direct flights to cities in Europe and Asia.
7. More patios
8. LRT
9. Better shopping on Rideau Street
10. Expansion of the BIXI program
Awesome ideas! Thank you both!
ReplyDeleteMake Rideau Street people-friendly:
ReplyDelete1. Cleaner sidewalks
2. Lush plants (similar to the summer planters on Sparks)
3. More inviting shops
Rideau Street is a but awful - a loud, dingy wind tunnel. Sprucing up the outside of Rideau Centre would help improve the area. A new main entrance to the mall would be wonderful - right now it is crowded and dark.
I am an ex-Montrealer. I declare myself an Ottawa as I have been living here for 10 years. I am a resident of Centretown. I make it a point to purchase an item in any new independent store that opens in Ottawa (Stroked Ego on Bank, Armen on Sussex)to support local businesses as I have the means to. That being said, there is some exensive real estate in this city and I always wonder where the rich spend their money once they've bought their expensive condo or house. Nothing in this city is excellent or top-notch, except perhaps Gatineau Park if you're out-doorsy. It's a shame to think they go to other cities to spend their money.
ReplyDeleteI truly applaud this blog as it is necessary. Indeed the mediocrity of the leaders in this city is outstanding. I wish the people in power would read this blog (Do they?). Who works at the city of Ottawa to ensure its embellishment? To make it shine? Why is Centretown so UGLY? Why is the store called "Oblige" on Bank near Albert hang an improvised sign post bearing its name on the awning of the previous dweller? That should be illegal and it's been there for years. What is the Bank Street Promenade? A bad joke? And how is Sparks Street of all places a shopping destination as per tourism brochures. In fact, Sparks Street would be simple to fix. BRING STORES: big anchor stores first, the smaller ones will follow. No rents for the first year; owners would only have to pay utilities as they are taking a risk in opening there. And trash the NCC while you're at it. They've shown they are useless and clueless. No museums, no gardens! Enough. Stores.
And continue to bury the electric poles.
That's my rant.
To the blogger, do soldier on.
Thanks. I totally agree with you. Oblige is an eyesore and not very fashion friendly. It's like there a sense of pride that's missing and the will to work hard to get to the next level. On the other hand, Stroked Ego always have an interesting window display and make walking on Bank street less depressing.
ReplyDeleteI really thing it's up to the people and the businesses to make a difference, make positive changes despite some resistance to it and improve the nation's capital. Clearly, waiting for the city didn't amount to much so far.