A proposed streetcar line along Sparks Street has received mixed reviews from businesses on the street.
An informal Centretown News survey of 11 businesses found that four opposed the project, five were in favour and two undecided.
The project was proposed by the Sparks Street heritage committee that wants to reintroduce streetcars to promote tourism and more shopping on the street.
The streetcar line could either go along Sparks Street from Confederation Square to the LeBreton Flats area, or the line could do a loop from LeBreton Flats to Gatineau, through Hull, across the Interprovincial Bridge, along Mackenzie Avenue and then to Confederation Square and Sparks Street.
The main argument against the line is that streetcar traffic would spoil the uniqueness of Sparks Street as being the only pedestrian mall in Ottawa.
“I think they should shut down the streetcar project because it’s really not a good thing for downtown Ottawa. This is the only street where people can go and relax in the summer and where children can play in the street,” says the owner of the Palermo Cafe and Deli, Tony Kano.
Eric Schwartz, owner of Ottawa Leather Goods, agrees.
“Streetcars in Sparks Street – I am against it. Sparks Street is a pedestrian mall, and if it’s opened up to traffic it won’t be different from any other street in town,” Schwartz says.
Among the businesses who support the streetcar project is Carlos Morgado, one of the owners of the Jazz’oo European Bar and Lounge.
“If I could vote for it I would say ‘yes’ because streetcars in Sparks Street would probably benefit my business,” says Carlos Morgado.
Another shopkeeper who questions the streetcar project is Tracey Delong. The project was first introduced to her a year ago when she became the manager of SmithBooks on Sparks Street.
“I like the idea about street cars in Sparks Street but so far I haven’t heard a timeline or a cost for the project, and without hearing such details I would have some concerns,” she says.
However, concerns and disagreement among businesses don’t worry Holly Layte, chairperson of the Sparks Street heritage committee.
She says the committee will be ready to talk to the shopkeepers who have doubts about the project. The committee will continue to try to make the streetcar project a reality, she says.
Though some businesses disagree about the streetcar project, most realize that the street needs initiatives that can make the business environment healthier.
Many think the Sparks Street Mall needs to attract new merchants and arrange more events in the street to draw more customers to the area.
Right now, the heritage committee is awaiting a decision by the Sparks Street BIA management board to approve a funding request of $10,000 to hire expert assistance.