[TransitZilla]

Open Sparks Street to vehicles, developer says
By Peter Kovessy, Ottawa Business Journal Staff
Mon, Jul 7, 2008 12:00 AM EST


The Sparks Street Mall between Metcalfe and O'Connor streets. (Darren Brown, OBJ)
The developer chosen to build a planned pair of mixed-use commercial and residential buildings on Sparks Street has suggested officials rethink the current vehicle ban along the pedestrian mall.

Last week, the National Capital Commission approved plans for Ashcroft Urban Developments Inc. to construct two buildings containing apartments, condominiums, office space and ground-level retail on the 'Canlands A' site bounded by Sparks and Queen streets, just west of Metcalfe Street.

While NCC officials heralded the development plan as a way of injecting much-needed energy into an area that's been criticized as relatively listless, the developer behind the proposal suggested cars, combined with the injection of more residents and retail, could generate even more life in the district.

"It is what creates a buzz, a liveliness," said Ashcroft Group owner David Choo. "This is supposed to be a catalyst for Sparks Street and I would hope that now is the time for us to start talking about opening up Sparks Street to vehicular traffic, at least in a limited way."

Mr. Choo suggested vehicles be allowed to travel along a narrow stretch between Metcalfe and O'Connor streets, where the new complex, designed by Ottawa architect Roderick Lahey, will be built.

He said those who support the vehicle ban often argue opening Sparks Street to cars will create congestion. But Mr. Choo countered by suggesting congestion in an urban area can actually be a good thing in creating a lively atmosphere, pointing to the ByWard Market as an example.

"One of the enjoyable things about going to the Market and sitting on a patio to have supper is (that) the street is humming. You need to bring some of that back to Sparks Street and you can't do that (with) just a pedestrian mall."

The Canlands A property is currently home to a pair of vacant buildings on the Sparks Street side and a parking lot on Queen Street.

At last week's NCC board meeting, Peter McCourt, the commission's director of real estate management, said it was unlikely that initial excavation work would begin until late in 2010 as Ashcroft seeks a minor zoning variance and site plan approvals from the city.

However, Mr. Choo said he hopes the process will be waived, or at least expedited, since his proposal has already gone through extensive reviews by an NCC planning committee.

Following last week's NCC meeting at the Hilton Lac-Leamy, Mr. McCourt said two developers, including Ashcroft, had qualified to submit bids after a national request for proposals.

The other bid was ultimately rejected because it was a conditional proposal and the NCC had asked for bids without any qualifications, said Mr. McCourt.


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SPARK PLUG


The property:

106 to 116 Sparks Street has been owned by the NCC since the 1970s and currently houses two vacant buildings.


The proposal:

A six-storey building fronting on Sparks Street and a 16-storey building on Queen Street containing more than 120 residential units as well as street-level retail businesses, some office space and underground parking. Walking distance from Parliament, residents on the sixth floor and above would have a view of Parliament's east lawn.


The terms:

A 66-year ground lease would commence on Dec. 1, 2008. The developer will pay the NCC $166,500 annually.


The history:

A deal between the NCC and Morguard Corp. fell apart in 2006 after the developer proposed extensive changes to their initial plans, said Peter McCourt, the NCC's director of real estate management.

I think allowing one-way traffic on Sparks after 5PM (except during the busker fest or rib fest) might be a good thing.