Ottawa's popular Street Seats program is returning for a second summer and expanding into Chinatown, bringing new public gathering spaces to downtown neighborhoods. Local business owners say the initiative has already made nearby areas more vibrant and attracted more customers.
Positive Impact on Local Businesses
Jon Svazas, owner of Fauna restaurant at the corner of Bank and Frank streets, noticed a significant change when the pilot program launched last summer. The Street Seats installation near his restaurant became a gathering spot for customers during what is typically a slower season. "It definitely helped us get more customers and bring people to the area," Svazas said. "So it was quite obviously great for me."
Program Expansion
The City of Ottawa is building on last year's momentum by expanding the program into Chinatown. This year's sites will include MacLaren and Frank streets near Bank Street, along with new installations on Waverley Street in Centretown and Cambridge Street in Chinatown. Programming begins June 1 and runs through mid-October. The program is currently funded for three years through provincial and municipal downtown revitalization funding.
Overwhelmingly Positive Response
Last year's pilot featured three Centretown sites and drew more than 2,500 attendees across 166 events, according to the city's final report. City surveys found that 91 percent of respondents had a positive impression of the spaces, while 66 percent said they visited nearby businesses more frequently. Somerset Coun. Ariel Troster described the response as "wildly successful," noting that it brought vibrancy to areas off Bank Street.
Community Programming
The spaces hosted a variety of activities, including dance classes, DJ nights, craft circles, and chess meetups. Troster emphasized the importance of such programming in a neighborhood still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and the convoy protests. "More activity means more eyes on the street, and that also means more safety," she said.
Chinatown Addition
The biggest addition this year is Chinatown, where organizers hope the new site will create a more welcoming atmosphere in a neighborhood that has faced growing safety concerns. Despite challenges, Troster described Chinatown as one of the city's most vibrant cultural areas. "I have no doubt that it'll increase the energy and excitement about the neighbourhood," she said. The Ottawa Chinatown BIA also supports the initiative.
