Archive 1997-2016
By Jojo Ruba
Ottawa residents may not just be shopping on Sparks Street.
They could be living there, if Public Works Canada finds a cost-effective way to turn government offices on the street into condominiums.
Glenn Duncan, who is in charge of maintaining the Parliament Hill area, says there is high demand for the project. But the department released a report last month that found the change would be costly.
By Jen Ross
While it’s still too early to say just what priorities the new Sparks Street Mall merchants’ management board will have for the next three years, members such as Albert Gabbay are full of ideas.
At the adverstising and promotion committee meeting Jan. 16, members decided events like the International Busker Festival and the chicken and rib cook-off will go on as planned, with some changes. Gabbay says he’d like to see the mall host more events such as fashion shows, a murder mystery, outdoor tai chi classes, more petting zoos, and an Easter egg hunt.
The Business Beat
By Jason Brown
Jean Chrétien has become the quintessential global door-to-door salesman. He no longer acts like the head of a government but treats his position like he’s the CEO of Canada Inc.
All the man has to do is load a bunch of his senior vice-presidents and salespeople onto an airplane and he’s off hawking his goods to everyone he can get to pay attention.
By Adam Hickman
The story of two crumbling Sparks Street buildings has ended with a wrecking ball dominating the final act. The lesson to be learned? Progress and pragmatism.
Slowly, crews are tearing down the Kresge and Woolworth buildings, dating back to 1929 and 1941, paving the way for a temporary parking lot.