Read MoreIt is an uncommon sight to behold. Or rather sites. As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood, this year the city has transformed two downtown spaces into vibrant social hubs. Both described by the local BIA as “Uncommon space,” no doubt due to how much thought has gone into designing these locations.
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It is an uncommon sight to behold. Or rather sites.
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As part of ongoing efforts to revitalize Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood, this year the city has transformed two downtown spaces into vibrant social hubs.
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Both described by the local BIA as “Uncommon space,” no doubt due to how much thought has gone into designing these locations. And also from an urbanist’s viewpoint, because having places for people to recreate and relax within the downtown core of most major cities still isn’t all that common.
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A short walk from Parliament Hill, the sites showcase the work of local artists to help draw pedestrians in and include seating areas, beverage and food stands, a stage area for local bands to play and additional space to accommodate various community events.
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The site on Frank St. is open through to the end of October with a chance it will be reopened next summer, while plans call for the second, larger 4,819 sq. ft. venue at Snider Plaza to remain open through the winter.
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“We’re excited to change the vibrancy of the area (thanks to projects such as these),” observes the BIA’s executive director SabriNa Lemay. “They aren’t your regular outdoor spaces (rather) something that’s going to bring together community culture and arts,” she says.
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If there is a common versus uncommon link between these venues and the rest of the city, it’s that unknown to many visitors is that Ottawa’s downtown core showcases a plethora of public art ranging from massive sculptures to colourful murals, which collectively help to enliven multiple neighbourhoods.
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A stone’s throw from Parliament Hill, numerous building walls in the popular shopping destination – the ByWard Market are adorned with stunning murals. Even the steps between the market Major’s Park Hill which overlooks the parliament buildings serve as a palette thanks to a mural named Birds of a Feather. Featuring three stylized Canada geese, surrounded by lush flowers and plants, the mural has understandably become a popular photo op destination.
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Ottawa’s Chinatown is also home to a striking mix of murals that adorn windows, doors and walls adorned with such iconic images as pandas and giant goldfish.
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Even the city’s O-Train rail system has done an impressive job of showcasing art as a way to enliven public space. It’s an impressive, eclectic mix of works ranging from multi-coloured tile walls to painted canoe paddles hanging from the ceiling of one stop.