Parklets & Patios: New outdoor spaces to be installed across Ottawa

_ (press release) _ Communities across Ottawa will see new small parklets and patios cropping up in the coming weeks as the Streetside Spots project gets underway. Eleven locations applied to take part in this pilot program, which runs from April to October.

Through a variety of designs and uses, businesses and community groups will redefine small outdoor spaces in neighbourhoods across the city by temporarily re-purposing on-street parking spaces.

“By making small changes, this project promises to make a big impact by injecting lively, public, open spaces and programming into our neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The project has already brought communities together, with two applicants calling on architecture students from Carleton University to design their spaces.”

This year’s spots will include four parklets – public spaces that will contain everything from seating and greenery to games tables and music:

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 The Water Garden at 49 Beechwood
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– A meeting point, a community gathering space or simply a shelter from the elements, The Water Garden will feature a central column and a canopy designed to channel rainwater to pots of plants, herbs and flowers. The Quartier Vanier Business Improvement Area submitted this design by students from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University.

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 Percy Station at 605 Somerset Street West
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– Percy Station will offer rotating programming that includes a coffee house, micro shows, live music, poetry readings and theatre sessions. The design features a seating area that can be configured in a variety of ways. Strip lighting will help animate the structure’s form and illuminate it at night for safety.

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 The Nük on the north side of Second Avenue, east of Bank Street
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– Nük will feature a seating area and games table, creating a space for people to stay connected through community events. The design features a built-in table and an L-shaped bench that faces Bank Street. It will incorporate vegetation and soft ambient lighting. The Glebe Community Association submitted this design by students from the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University.

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 A parklet on the south side of Third Avenue, west of Bank Street
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– The neighbourhood, and in particular local merchants and restaurants, will welcome the added seating and greenery this space will offer for relaxing and socializing. Visitors will feel connected to the vibrancy of Bank Street, where narrower sidewalks make it impossible to accommodate patios. The Glebe Community Association submitted this project by a designer who is a resident in the community.

Applications were also submitted for seven patios – private spaces reserved for patrons of cafés or restaurants that do not have an existing patio:

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The WORKS at 326 Richmond Road

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The Ministry of Coffee at 1013 Wellington Street West

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Corner Bar and Grill at 344 Richmond Road

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Blue Cactus Bar and Grill at 2 Byward Street

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The Cupcake Lounge at 6 Byward Street

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Asian Alley at 8 Byward Street

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Zak’s Diner at 14-16 Byward Street

“Building on the success of similar projects in cities from Montreal to San Francisco, the 11 submissions Ottawa received exceeded the response other Canadian cities saw in their inaugural years,” said Councillor Keith Egli, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee. “It’s clear that there is enthusiasm in our communities for this initiative, and that excitement will only grow as these spaces are built and installed throughout the season.”

Applications were received last winter and reviewed by City staff and a selection committee in March. The City will gather public feedback as part of the evaluation of this pilot project. A report will be made to Transportation Committee at the end of 2016.

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