Relevé Ottawa [400 Albert St] | 78/98m | 23/29f | Completed

[SL123]

^ Dollarama is useful to have tin the area, but I have to admit I'm surprised that both a Food Basics and a Dollarama chose to open there. My impression is that many of the people moving into those new towers are relatively good financially, along with a significant number of middle-income federal workers. Given that, I would have expected retailers that cater more to higher-income consumers. Food Basics and Dollarama tend to target more lower income shoppers, so their presence there seems a bit unexpected to me.

[kwoldtimer]

Not very exciting, but useful for folks living/working in the area. I guess nothing more upscale had interest, especially for such a large space.

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by SL123

^ Dollarama is useful to have tin the area, but I have to admit I'm surprised that both a Food Basics and a Dollarama chose to open there. My impression is that many of the people moving into those new towers are relatively good financially, along with a significant number of middle-income federal workers. Given that, I would have expected retailers that cater more to higher-income consumers. Food Basics and Dollarama tend to target more lower income shoppers, so their presence there seems a bit unexpected to me.

People who are financially good appreciate saving money like anyone else. There are other places to drop serious coin for those so inclined.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

People who are financially good appreciate saving money like anyone else. There are other places to drop serious coin for those so inclined.

I never said otherwise! What surprises me is that higher-end retailers don't seem to be interested in the area so far. Given the number of affluent residents moving into those new towers, I would have expected at least a few more upscale stores to open there by now.

[phil235]

Originally Posted by SL123

I never said otherwise! What surprises me is that higher-end retailers don't seem to be interested in the area so far. Given the number of affluent residents moving into those new towers, I would have expected at least a few more upscale stores to open there by now.

Lots of less affluent people in that area. I’d guess they outnumber the new residents by a fair bit. But I do agree that it is odd to see a Dollarama in such a high end location

[ponyboycurtis]

I'm not sure affluent people are above shopping at the dollar store.

How many places in the downtown core can you buy knick knacks and lightbulbs etc.

I need some basic dish towels. Welp.. time to get in the god danged Subaru and drive 10 kms.

[YOWhopeful]

10,000 sq ft for one Dollarama?

[kwoldtimer]

Originally Posted by YOWhopeful

10,000 sq ft for one Dollarama?

Wouldn't that be about normal?

[BlueJay]

Originally Posted by kwoldtimer

Wouldn't that be about normal?

Yes, their store size average is around 10,500 square feet.

[J.OT13]

Here's the plaza again, with trees and benches. Should open by the end of the month, if not earlier.

[urbanforest]

I'm out of the loop—is that going to be a splash pad?

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by urbanforest

I'm out of the loop—is that going to be a splash pad?

That seems to be a lot of people's question.

I don't remember seeing anywhere that it's an official splash pad. I think it's just a fountain (with jets coming from the ground, not the overhead structures), but will likely be used as a splash pad.

Edit: from an October 2020 article:

The current proposal for 400 Albert shows seating, planters for ornamental trees and small plants, bike parking and a water-jet feature that children might enjoy.

https://centretownbuzz.ca/2020/10/mckenn...in-new-developments/?cxn=tw&cxk=oct-park

[BGO]

As expected, less good than the rendering

[OTownandDown]

Looks like an art.

[J.OT13]

Plaza open as of yesterday.

[kevinbottawa]

These art pieces look nice lit up at night.

[J.OT13]

Thanks for posting Kevin! Was hoping to see a night shot soon. Looks really great. Good little addition to Downtown.

According to BlueJay on Skyrise, Dollarama should open end of October to sometime before Christmas.

[J.OT13]

Instagram post on July 29 (I think) said that the splash pad is open and they'll be adding concrete benches. I did notice orange tarps over the last couple weeks.

[SL123]

Originally Posted by J.OT13

Instagram post on July 29 (I think) said that the splash pad is open and they'll be adding concrete benches. I did notice orange tarps over the last couple weeks.

Am I the only one who thinks this splash pad is a terrible idea? This is a high-traffic area in the downtown core, right next to a transit station. I honestly wouldn’t let a kid play barefoot in that water. I wouldn’t be surprised if broken glass ended up around the plaza or, worse, needles. It just seems like a really questionable location for something meant for young kids to play in.

[J.OT13]

Originally Posted by SL123

Am I the only one who thinks this splash pad is a terrible idea? This is a high-traffic area in the downtown core, right next to a transit station. I honestly wouldn’t let a kid play barefoot in that water. I wouldn’t be surprised if broken glass ended up around the plaza or, worse, needles. It just seems like a really questionable location for something meant for young kids to play in.

It's weird, I agree. Early plans gave it a fountain vibe, but now it seems to officially be a splash pad. It is an odd place for a splash pad. Tech Park or Bronson Park would be more natural places for splash pads (though the risk of needles and broken glass remains anywhere downtown honestly).