CBC News
January 15, 2018
The City of Ottawa is asking people for ideas on how Sparks Street can be better for people and businesses as it works on a comprehensive plan to revitalize the pedestrian mall.
Here’s what some of the people who attended a town hall Saturday had to say.
Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.
I want to share some personal experiences visiting Detroit and a lot of their rejuvenated public space — and how inspiring it was.
I was there as a tourist but felt very much the spaces were adapted for the residents. That would be my vision for Sparks Street.
[In one main square, Detroit]
had public beaches. You saw people in their business clothes with their feet in the sand at lunchtime. It was surrounded by a lot of delis and restaurants as well — but also people, daycares, children.
The full community experience was there, as well as tourists.
In the presentations, sometimes I heard the focus would be on tourism, then residents. I would love to see this initiative be residents [first]. If it’s that fantastic, tourists will equally benefit.