The Ottawa Heritage Streetcar Committee is gearing up to present its concept in hopes of generating much-needed support from the Ottawa community.
The group, comprised of volunteers who represent various actors such as the Sparks Street Mall Authority, the NCC, Public Works, Transport Action Canada and city residents, has been advocating for a streetcar on Sparks Street for a number of years.
Their concept calls for a tourism-oriented streetcar, with the main purpose of revitalizing the Sparks Street Mall, by increasing traffic to the area.
Arto Keklikian, a senior planner who represents the NCC on the committee, says that this type of heritage streetcar is commonly used in the United States, and shown to be successful at boosting tourism along the tracks, like San Francisco’s streetcar.
Although the streetcar could complement Ottawa’s transit system and offer an alternative route to commuters, the committee’s goal is economic development for Sparks Street and not competition with OC Transpo.
While it is still in its early stages, the concept has multiple alternative routes, including an interprovincial loop, which could be used by commuters of the downtown core, especially the public service on both sides of the river.
In its discussions of these routes and the different possible phases of the concept, the committee has been proactively considering the city’s future transit plans, as well as the NCC’s plans for the capital. Streetcar stops could work to link certain areas of the city not serviced by light rail or buses, and its ability to change routes could help to keep pedestrians moving across the city during events needing the closures of main arteries.
As well as the streetcar’s capacity to bring business to the area, the committee is proud to announce the streetcar’s side effects: a green, versatile and pedestrian-friendly option to get around Ottawa.
The committee is working on a multimedia presentation, which is to include a documentary style video.
It plans to present its results and concept by mid-April to Ottawa’s elected officials, local BIAs, various city representatives and the business community to garner much needed support.