1.14 Bank Street

1.14.1 Vision

Main Street

In the coming years, Bank Street will continue to be recognized as "Main Street" Ottawa and will feature prominently in the City's Central Business District, both as a significant shopping street/commercial district, and as a gateway to the Central Area.

Revitalization

A sense of "Old is New Again" will be conveyed as the Bank Street streetscape is revitalized, with the protection and enhancement of heritage buildings, the restoration of the original character of, and continuity between building facades, and the introduction of a consistent, vibrant streetscape treatment. Development will reflect a high quality of design, and contribute to a sense of human scale, resulting in a street level environment which is visually enjoyable.

Profile

Development will generally reflect a traditional Main Street theme, providing continuous pedestrian-oriented uses at grade with narrow shop frontages and direct street access. These uses will cater to employees from the surrounding Core area and residents from throughout the region, particularly the nearby Upper Town and Centretown neighbourhoods, such as specialty retail personal services and restaurants.

Infill development along Bank Street, and in nearby sites in the Core, will create an enjoyable pedestrian environment while accommodating significant commercial and residential uses, as well as sensitively integrated parking facilities. This mix of uses will support the retail street both day and evening, creating a more vibrant, secure environment.

Heritage

The distinctive streetscape of heritage buildings along both sides of Bank Street between Slater and Laurier Streets will be designated as a Heritage Conservation District, contributing significantly to the theme and character of the street.

Movement

Bank Street will continue to provide a high level of convenient transit service and will remain one of the downtown's most important pedestrian routes. A vibrant streetscape treatment will complement Bank Street south of the Central Area and emphasize a gateway role, while reflecting a Main Street theme. Co-ordinated streetscape elements and abundant trees will attract the interest of passing drivers and transit riders, and will draw pedestrians along the street. Sidewalk areas will accommodate large numbers of pedestrians, while providing a continuity of weather protection, comfortable bus waiting areas, casual seating and opportunities for social interaction.

Focal Point

The intersection of Laurier Avenue with Bank Street will be an important focal point, through the enhancement and animation of the open area on the southeast corner adjacent to the L'Esplanade Laurier towers. This focal point will provide an identifiable meeting place and entry into the Central Area and will be designed to promote pedestrian flow to and from Bank Street south. At street level, this area may be identified by such features as a clock tower, water fountain or sculptural elements. Above the street, the L'Esplanade Laurier towers will continue to provide a landmark which is visible from as far away as Ottawa South.

Linkage

Bank Street will be improved as a major north-south pedestrian corridor, linking with the Core by means of intersecting east-west streets. Bank Street will also function as a strong pedestrian link to the Parliamentary Precinct, with physical improvements to its north end serving to link with the pedestrian promenade along the Ottawa River, which will provide connections to the LeBreton Flats and Canal areas. Bank Street will also link to Sparks Street, providing a continuous retail experience for shoppers. Views northward towards Sparks Street and the Parliamentary Precinct will be maintained.

With its vibrant Main Street ambience, the future Bank Street will be enhanced as a distinctive gateway to the Central Area, a popular shopping promenade and a successful business location.

1.14.2 Objectives

Business District with Shopping Street Focus

    1. To enhance and promote Bank Street, as designated on Schedule B - Central Area Character Areas and Theme Streets, as an integral part of the Central Business District which focuses on a pedestrian-oriented shopping street.

Gateway Function

    1. To promote Bank Street as a gateway into the Central Area and a significant north-south transportation corridor.

Protect Heritage

    1. To protect the historical and architectural significance of Bank Street and to promote its Main Street theme.

1.14.3 Policies

Mixed Use Business District

    1. City Council shall promote Bank Street as a significant Central Area shopping street, a vital part of the Central Business District and a gateway to the Central Area. City Council shall therefore:
      1. require continuous pedestrian-oriented uses at grade;
      2. permit commercial, residential or other appropriate uses above the street; and
      3. encourage uses which are vibrant and/or promote evening activity, such as specialty stores, galleries, restaurants and entertainment uses.

Theme

    1. City Council shall, in co-operation with Bank Street interests, promote a Main Street theme for Bank Street, and shall ensure that this theme is reflected by development within this area.

Profile of Development

    1. City Council shall ensure that development along Bank Street provides an interesting roof treatment or other appropriate design feature at the upper levels, within the height limits, contributes to a sense of human scale, minimizes overpowering effects, respects heritage resources, minimizes shadowing and maximizes direct sunlight on pedestrian areas, and is in keeping with a Main Street theme and Policy b) above.

Protect Heritage Resources

    1. City Council shall ensure the protection, enhancement and conservation of the heritage resources on Bank Street, and shall ensure that the design of development respects, and is sensitive to such heritage resources.

Heritage Conservation District

    1. City Council shall recognize that the group of heritage buildings along both sides of Bank Street between Slater Street and Laurier Avenue represents the most significant heritage area on Bank Street. City Council shall, therefore, designate this area as a Heritage Conservation District and adopt related design criteria.

Façade and Sign Improvement

    1. City Council shall, in co-operation with Bank Street interests, ensure the continued implementation of the Bank Street facade and sign improvement programme.

Distinct Streetscape and Pleasant Pedestrian Environment

    1. City Council shall ensure that a distinctive, co-ordinated streetscape treatment and a pleasant pedestrian environment are established and maintained along Bank Street. In particular, City Council shall ensure that the Bank Street streetscaping treatment:
      1. is vibrant, and reflects its gateway function and Main Street theme, in keeping with Policies a) and b) above;
      2. complements and integrates with that of Bank Street south of the Central Area;
      3. accommodates large volumes of pedestrian traffic and provides adequate seating; and
      4. includes a tree planting corridor/area.

Bank and Laurier Focal Points

    1. City Council shall investigate, together with Bank Street interests, the creation of a focal point on the southeast corner of Bank Street and Laurier Avenue, which will provide a recognizable gateway entrance to the Central Area, and serve as a usable pedestrian amenity area, through such measures as:
      1. enhancing and animating the open area on the southeast corner;
      2. introducing identifiable entrance features at street-level, such as a sculptural art form and water features, clock tower or other appropriate form which is compatible with the theme of the street; and
      3. maintaining and enhancing distant views of the L'Esplanade Laurier towers from Bank Street south of the Central Area.

Pedestrian Links

    1. City Council shall promote identifiable, inviting pedestrian links between Bank Street and the nearby Core, Sparks Street, and the Parliamentary Precinct and thereby to the Ottawa River; as well as to the Upper Town and Centretown neighbourhoods.

Views

    1. City Council shall, protect and enhance views of the Parliamentary Precinct from the Bank Street right-of-way in accordance with Policy 1.4.3 i) of this Plan, and, in accordance with Policy i) above.

Transit

    1. City Council shall ensure the provision of a high level of transit service along Bank Street.

Parking

    1. City Council shall ensure the provision of an adequate supply of parking for Bank Street, particularly short-term parking which serves shoppers.

Central Retail Management

    1. City Council shall investigate, together with Bank Street interests, the implementation of a central retail management strategy.
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