By Catherine Mageau Walker, Special Projects Coordinator, Lowertown Community Resource Centre
The Ottawa cityscape is changing. Sometimes it even feels like the cranes are permanent fixtures – but then you blink, and they’ve moved down a few blocks.
We cannot welcome new residential developments without considering the expected and unexpected social and community effects on the neighbourhood. In my mind, there are more questions twirling about than answers landing. Perhaps compiling them here will provide a space for communal reflection on the broader implications of more humans living in this condensed space that is Lowertown . . .
- What will be the effect on the demographic profile of the neighbourhood in terms of age, ethnic and socio-economic mix, and household composition?
- The tax base will be larger.
- There will be greater demand for existing infrastructure. Will there also be more investment in the neighbourhood’s infrastructure?
- There will be more residents and therefore more money spent in local businesses. What types of businesses will benefit? What will be the effect on businesses serving less affluent residents? Might condominium towers be a new form of gentrification (a.k.a. “condofication”) contributing to economic divisions?
- What will be the effect on the calculation of average income? Will there be more income disparity? We might conclude that residents’ conditions are improving because average household income will have risen, but the number of people living below the poverty line will not change.
- What will be the effect on social cohesion? How can we help create and foster a sense of belonging among new residents in high-rise buildings? It’s important to welcome them and tell them about the history of the neighbourhood and its current realities.
- More residents could mean more people to get involved in Lowertown. Perhaps there will be more people asking for real solutions rather than measures that will further marginalise those who are already facing challenges?
Time will bring answers to some of these questions. At the Centre we are concerned about improving the quality of life of ALL the residents of Lowertown with a particular focus on those facing inequities. With changes in demographics, come changes in needs. We will consider them with forethought vis à vis impacts to be able to respond accordingly. It is something our team holds to heart and mind.
