ELGIN STREET

Ottawa, ON

The City of Ottawa’s $40M Elgin Street and Boushey Square reconstruction project has renewed a 1.2km long arterial street in the heart of the City. Elgin Street is a designated traditional mainstreet located in a design priority area and in the Centretown Heritage Conservation District. Elgin Street is a historic street that has been renewed with an inspired view towards a more sustainable future. There is no corridor in Ottawa that is as dynamic and diverse as Elgin Street

The original driver behind the project was the need to reconstruct Elgin Street’s aging underground infrastructure, which dated back more than 100 years. However, as is the City’s practice, opportunities were harnessed to pursue the City’s Official Plan objectives for a balanced transportation system and emphasis on design excellence in priority areas. Following more than two years of expedited study and design, the City selected a design that emphasized place-making and active transportation, while maintaining adequate capacity for vehicles and transit. The competition for space was fierce, and many believe that a balance was found that creates space for people, while fostering prosperity for businesses. The visual and spatial benefits of burying overhead utilities was a crowning achievement.

As one of the supporting jewels of the project, a short block of Waverley Street, which had previously been used entirely for parking, was reimagined as a brand new and flexible public space. This space is aptly named “Boushey Square”, giving a nod to a family who operated an adjoining business at this location for many years, and who actively participated in the design process.