'Struggling' Bank Street could be in for a facelift

Storefronts along a struggling section of Bank Street in downtown Ottawa could soon be in for a facelift if city council approves a half-million-dollar improvement program aimed at revitalizing the area. 

If passed on June 25, the Centretown heritage facade improvement pilot program will draw $500,000 from existing funds over the next two years to help property owners restore and conserve their properties on Bank Street from Albert to Catherine streets, as well as a section of Somerset Street W.

The project would span two conservation districts, and properties must meet certain criteria to qualify for funding. If approved, grants awarded under the pilot project will cover 75 per cent of a property owner's eligible costs, up to $75,000. 

Eligible upgrades include new signage, lighting and other additions that improve accessibility. Heritage conservation projects could also include upgrades such as structural improvements, restoration and repainting. 

'Appearance matters'

Earlier this week, staff told the city's built heritage committee the revitalization project is aimed at making the area more inviting, green, vibrant and safe for all.

City staff said one of the pilot's key objectives is to encourage private investment in the area, which has deteriorated noticeably in recent years as businesses close and storefronts remain vacant.

Sabrina Lemay, executive director of the Centretown Business Improvement Area (BIA), said while the area is home to some of the city's most beautiful heritage buildings, it has faced "unprecedented challenges" including the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have growing commercial vacancies and a shifting downtown dynamic that has left many businesses and property owners struggling to stay vibrant and visible," Lemay told the committee.

Lemay said Bank Street currently has 30 empty storefronts, and attracting new tenants has been difficult.

"Right now, people don't want to open businesses in Centretown," she said. "It's not creating a sense of community. It looks empty, it looks abandoned and feels unsafe."

Lemay said the improvement program could help attract new residents, visitors and longer-term investment.

"Facade improvements may sound cosmetic, but they have ripple effect and are profound," she said. "It increases pedestrian engagement, boosts foot traffic, instills pride in places and sends messages that Centretown is open, alive and worth investing in."

'A glimpse of hope'

Jerome Duquette, owner of grocer Herb & Spice at Bank and Lewis streets, also welcomed the program.

"It took them a long time, eh?" he joked over the phone.

Duquette agreed the once-bustling shopping district has been decimated by the pandemic.

Having something that's pretty on the street, it's inspiring for people, even if it's not much.​​​​​​- Jerome Duquette, Herb & Spice

"There were a lot of people, families, workers, and it was very vibrant," he said. "[The pandemic] affected all the businesses on the street, and then people never really came back fully."

Duquette said he has noticed an increase in homelessness and open drug use in the area. He said he and his co-owners think about moving "very often," but are staying put for now.

If his business is eligible for the improvement project, Duquette said he hopes to improve the grocery's signage, lighting and brickwork. 

He described the project as a "glimpse of hope" for the beleaguered area.

"I'm hopeful that something's going to happen," he said. "Having something that's pretty on the street, it's inspiring for people, even if it's not much."