Shemdin: Ottawa is missing its chance to be a true 'Capital of the North'

In the early 1900s, the Ottawa Improvement Commission, a predecessor of the National Capital Commission (NCC), established many handsome urban design elements, including the opening of Island Park Drive, Acacia Avenue, Range Road, urban parks in residential neighbourhoods, and the Driveway and parkways along the canal and rivers. Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier supported the improvement plan and envisioned Ottawa as the “Capital of the North.” Even though many features deteriorated and were eliminated over time, the main plan elements are still the backbone of Ottawa's site plan. Read More