Uptown Rideau: Main Street Resurgence?
Photo: Wallis House pre-renovation.
As the traditional route for traffic from the east to central Ottawa and Parliament Hill as well as to the Byward Market and hotel-arts district, Rideau Street is one of Ottawa's oldest main streets. Uptown Rideau is the newer section east of King Edward Avenue, and has a neighbourhood role, rather than the central-business-area role that the western part of Rideau Street enjoys (Downtown Rideau). Using business directories since 1878, one can learn about the flavour and evolution of the street's businesses over the decades, as well as the non-commercial activities.
This is the fifth iteration of this walk. The name has been changed to reflect the recent more positive outlook for the street in recognition of the momentum of new community design plan, rebuilt street, and inclusion as part of the Downtown Rideau BIA.
Participants are invited to share their experiences and ideas. For instance, are there businesses or services that are sorely needed in this neighbourhood? What effect will the community design plan have on the kind of street that Rideau St. becomes?
