The Other St. Laurent Blvd.
I’m sure most of those interested in urban issues (and many who aren’t) are quite familiar with St. Laurent Blvd. in Montreal. And why not? It’s arguably one of the greatest commercial streets in North America, filled with activity at almost any time of day. Of course what most aren’t aware of is that we have one in Ottawa as well, except that it’s defining traits couldn’t be any more different. A wide, grey expanse cutting across the East End, through some of the most uninspiring industrial and strip commercial districts the city has to offer, along with the largest mall to boot. I had the (mis)fortune to take a friends shift at the East End location of where I work last weekend and had my camera to accompany me on the 25 minute walk from the transitway station.
The transitway station at St. Laurent
Oddly enough, the transitway station at St. Laurent (which is located underneith a freeway and mall parking lot) is perhaps the most impressive in Ottawa. It is certainly the only one below grade, and the sheer amount of infrastructure re-routed for its construction is quite impressive. My day in this unfamiliar section of the city (I live well across town) began here, and ended here for that matter as well. I set my ipod to play Godspeed You! Black Emperor, which would prove to be a fitting sountrack to the walk ahead.
OC Transpo bus depot
The largest landuser along this desolate stretch of road is actually OC Transpo, the City of Ottawa’s transit provider. Although the site really is more suitable for a large bus depot then a more urban location, I still find irony in the fact that the public transit headquarters is in one of the least accessible areas of the city.
At least the view is nice
The road itself is elevated above grade for much of this stretch, having to cross the VIA/CN rail corridor and what appears to be another abandoned corridor. The general lack of buildings allows this bridge to offer quite the view of downtown Ottawa, one that is generally not seen at that. The overgrown railbed and unused industrial lots are beautiful, in their own post-apocalyptic way.
A sign of the times
On my way home in the afternoon, this view caught my eye. Behind the looming concrete expanse of the Queensway in front of me I could see the spire of a church that obviously predated the commercial excess built along St. Laurent over the years. Looming overhead, the oversized flag of Desjardins bank. Fitting indeed.
Don’t worry though, my next post of Ottawa will be more uplifting. Thankfully St. Laurent Blvd. is largely the exception, not the rule.
Tags: Exploring the City, Ottawa
Ken Gildner says:
You’re very brave for having ventured out to the east end of town. We lily-livered westenders generally hide out in our yuppie neighbourhoods like Westboro and Barrhaven. ;)
I like that skyline shot! I’d love to see a high-res version.
- Ken
October 7th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
David Maloney says:
The flag in the black and white photo is actually the flag of the ‘Franco-Ontarien’ community. You will see these flags frequently in the french speaking communities east of Ottawa (Orleans, Rockland, Embrun, Casselman, Hawksbury, St-Albert, Plantagenet, etc.). What a depressing street!
October 8th, 2006 at 11:35 am
Nick Wellington says:
Regarding the flag: Yeah, upon closer inspection I think you’re right. Regardless, it is on the property of the headquarters of Desjardins credit union in Ontario, so it still has something to do with the bank!
October 8th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
David Maloney says:
I do kind of like the French Canadian influence of St-Laurent Blvd, especially down near Montreal Rd. It definitely has a Quebec feel to it. It is grey and bleak like Gatineau’s main Boulevard.
I think that the rail right-of-way is planned to be used for future transitway / light rail expansion, which may eventually bring some life to this part of the street.
October 8th, 2006 at 11:40 pm
Nick Wellington says:
Yeah, St. Laurent gets quite a bit better near Montreal road. The southern part is nearly as bad as Maloney Blvd. in Gatineau though. The future LRT is supposed to run along Montreal road, but I’m not sure about that rail ROW. There is certainly enough land along the road for redevelopment if close to reliable transit though.
October 9th, 2006 at 3:18 am
Ken Gildner says:
The St-Hubert on St. Laurent near Montreal Road adds to the whole ‘French Canada’ vibe. ;)
October 11th, 2006 at 7:49 am