Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall
09/12/2019 07:13 p.m.

Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall

With the city of Ottawa expanding in all directions, sadly, conveniently located neighbourhood strip-malls and shopping centres with ample parking, rang the death knell for Sparks Street.

It was a great idea for its time. I remember my first visit in 1967, complete with wax museum.

The mall remains a popular place for downtown workers at lunch, but once everyone goes home for the day, except for special events like Rib Fest, you could fire a cannon down the middle and not hit anyone.





Photo: A jam-packed Sparks Street during lunch hour in what would have been sometime in the 1970s. Taken for a study by the NCC (National Capital Commission).

Author’s Note: Based on a Facebook posting at Lost Ottawa.


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