Quote:
Originally Posted by ars
If you look at some of the most vibrant downtowns in the world, a lot of them revolve around amenities and communities that are difficult to recreate in suburbs(open air markets, world class restaurants and entertainment, tourists, high end hotels, architecture and nature).
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I do think that we sell our downtown short a little bit. Maybe you are just considering Centretown, but we do have a world class museum (National Gallery), the NAC for entertainment, an exisitng open air market and some pretty great architecture in the parliamentary precinct. Also some high end hotels and great restaurants (Beckta, Riviera, North and Navy for instance plus lots in the Market and on Elgin). Most of the elements of a vibrant downtown are there, they just tend to be on the periphery of the office district.
To me a key would be to focus on Bank St., which has lots of potential to be a vibrant, walkable street like Elgin and to start linking the things that are there. The upgrades on Queen St., and introduction of Queen St. Fare are a beginning. With all of the new condos/apartments coming on line this year and next, you certainly have an expanding local market.
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