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This fall, Sparks Street will light up with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours, making your walk on the pedestrian street a magical wonderland. The art and light installation, Prismatica, will be reflecting all the colours in the visible spectrum, enchanting passersby, and daring you not to capture their brilliant beauty on film/phone. The exhibit is comprised of 25 pivoting prisms over six feet tall which light up from their bases, projecting an array of colours to the chimes of bells. You will have to visit Prismatica twice to see how they catch and play with the light during the day and when they really reach their nocturnal crescendo. The landscape will be a photographer’s dream and no Instagrammer within city limits will be able to resist 😉. Prismatica, Sparks Street BIA “Each panel of every prism is laminated with a dichronic film,” explains Pierre-Alexandre Le Lay of RAW Design, the Toronto-based firm behind Prismatica. “That means each surface reflects different colours depending on the angle of the light source and the viewing angle. During the day, the prisms reflect natural light. After dark, they’re illuminated from within, creating a more pronounced directional effect.” Mr. Le Lay conveys, “The goal is to present a new way of seeing the city…” Prismatica first debuted in Montréal at the 2014-2015 edition of Luminothérapie. You may have had a chance to visit it in December 2016 when it was presented on Parliament Hill here in Ottawa for Christmas Lights Across Canada. Or maybe you’ve seen these famous prisms in the movie John Wick: Chapter 2 where it made a brief big screen appearance. Prismatica, Sparks Street BIA John Wick 2 comicvine gamespot, CBS Interactive Inc. You can visit Prismatica from September 25 - October 25, 2020 on Sparks Street. You can choose to walk through the prisms or interact with them - there are 3 hand washing stations available with signage. COVID-19 health & safety guidelines are in place. The fall fresh air calls - take a walk and wander through the wonder of lights, colours and sounds of Prismatica on Sparks Street. Prismatica, Sparks Street BIA Work Credits: Conception and execution: RAW Design in collaboration with ATOMIC3 Lighting design: ATOMIC3 and Jean-François Piché Sound: Patrick Watson Production and technical direction: ATOMIC3 + Louis Héon Production: Quartier des Spectacles Partnership (Montréal, Canada) Tour Producer: CREOS

Fifty years ago today, the first Business Improvement Area was created in Toronto. Sparks Street alongside our colleagues at The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association are proud to celebrate work of the BIAs that have since been formed in Ontario, Canada and beyond. Today Ontario BIAs represents more than 100,000 businesses, 271 municipalities in 115 cities! For 50 years, BIAs have been pivotal in main street community revitalization. On September 16, 1970, Bloor West Village BIA in Toronto became the first BIA in the world when Ontario’s Municipal Act was amended to include the enabling legislation. There are now more than 300 BIAs in Ontario, a growing list. Across Canada there are 500 BIAs (or their equivalent) and the idea has also spread worldwide, with BIAs (or their equivalents) in more than 10 countries around the world, such as US, UK, Scotland, Germany, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, China and India A pivotal history began in Toronto: In 1967, challenges were facing retailers as a proliferation of shopping malls were springing up on the outskirts of the city. As a result, some merchants were forced to close their shops or even in some instances, follow the crowds to the malls. Vacancies resulted and many local shopping areas began to look run down and seemed doomed to oblivion. Out of sheer frustration, a group of businessmen including Alex Ling a true visionary in the west end of Toronto, along Bloor Street West, went to City Hall and the Province seeking legislation that would compel all businesses within a designated area to pay a levy for the purpose of revitalizing their business strip through physical improvements and promotional activities. The levy would be collected by the City and turned over to the elected Board of Management to be used as needed. After some persuasion, the idea was finally adopted and the Business Improvement Area (BIA) legislation was enacted and became Section 204-217 of the Municipal Act. Bloor West Village became the pioneer of the BIA concept and was designated as the first BIA in 1970! Currently there are more than 300 BIAs in the province of Ontario. The model is used across Canada and throughout The United States and abroad. Businesses, governments, and community members believe in the concept and have seen the successes in the model of “Main Street“ communities everywhere. Municipal Act Designation of improvement area 204 A local municipality may designate an area as an improvement area and may establish a board of management, (a) to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally; and (b) to promote the area as a business or shopping area. 2001, c. 25, s. 204 (1). YOUR Downtowns: Represent sustainable development, making the best use of our existing infrastructure and creating compact communities that encourage walking, cycling and transit use Have historic connections to the origins of the community Have symbolic significance as the centre of civic life Are a central hub for festivals and celebrations Reflect a positive image of the entire city Provide opportunities for local and incubator businesses Offer an experience not found in new malls, plazas BIAs by the numbers: Legislation first created in 1970 First BIA in the world – Bloor West Village Currently about 310+ BIAs in Ontario 19 in Ottawa More than 70% of Ontario’s BIAs are members of OBIAA BIAs represent over 100,000 Businesses and 17,600 property owners Accumulated Levy of Ontario’s BIAs – more than $55M Employment by BIAs is over 150 part-time staff and 200 full-time staff OBIAA is the network that represents unique and vibrant BIAs across Ontario. The Association supports and advocates on behalf of its members through the building and nurturing of strong relationships and partnerships. OBIAA is a leader in the development and sharing of information, tools, resources and best practices, and is the ONE voice on common issues. Sparks Street thanks all our colleagues and collaborators at OBIAA

We've decked our street with the help of Ottawa Public Health with chalk-tastic reminders of how you can be Social-Wise! We are social creatures, and we know that the FOMO (fear or missing out) is REAL these days. But if you are Social Wise, the only thing you will miss out on is getting sick and getting others sick.  Don’t let anyone burst your bubble. W – Wear a mask or face covering where required, or when you cannot maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet). I – Isolate yourself from others when you are sick (and get tested promptly if you have COVID-like symptoms). S – Stay two metres (six feet) apart from those outside your household. E – Exercise proper hand hygiene; wash your hands regularly or use sanitizer especially before touching your face. Get even more in the know: http://social-wise.ca/ Our Friday Chalk Walk:

Thousands of you amazing people entered (and we really mean thousands...wow!) We are thrilled for our Sparkscation Giveaway winners Kelly and Melanie. They will be bringing their fabulous guests to spend their Sparkscations in style. We want to thank our Members who offered up these great experiences and who love and appreciate YOU for continuing to support our local businesses. Stay tuned for our next contest - we've got more chances to win!

Thanks for playing! This contest is now closed. Congrats to our winners! Looking for an all-inclusive Staycation package in Ottawa? Sparks Street has created TWO Sparkscation Giveaways that include stay, meals, activities, and some shopping! Two lucky entrants will win the Sparkscation Giveaways! Here’s what’s included: Package 1 (winner announced August 17, 2020) • 1-night stay at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel • Breakfast for 2 at Nate's Deli • Lunch for 2 at The Office Resto Pub • Dinner for 2 at Rabbit Hole • Shopping at The Snow Goose and Swatch • 4 tickets for a Haunted Walk Bubble Tour Package 2 (winner announced August 24, 2020) • 1-night stay at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel • Breakfast for 2 at Creperie Rim • Lunch for 2 at Brixton's British Pub • Dinner for 2 at Bier Markt • Shopping at Winners and Canada's Four Corners • 2 bike tours from Escape Bicycle Tours Getting out of the house and into the Ottawa Marriott Hotel is a luxury we can all appreciate. Especially with their high standards of cleaning and disinfecting they now have in place which you can learn more about here. Many of our restaurants have outdoor patio seating as well as indoor. Taking advantage of our short summers is something Canadians do best! The shops and boutiques on Sparks Street carry unique items you won’t find elsewhere in the city. If you’re fashion-forward and looking for a piece to stand out from the crowd, visit our directory or take a stroll and pop in to say hello and browse this month’s racks. Two of the highest-rated activities in the city happen to be located at the top of Sparks Street near Elgin; Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals and The Haunted Walk. Both will get you moving be it by e scooter, bike, or on foot touring the city and learning new things even us locals didn’t know about! With our province’s reopening, our businesses are ready to welcome back our local community into their shops, restaurants, and various establishments. Staycations can be so enriching, and a free one will keep you all the richer 😉. Contest period runs from 12:01 a.m. on Friday August 7, 2020 until 11:59 p.m on Sunday August 23, 2020. Full contest details can be found under our General Contest Rules.

Of the top visual and historic destinations to visit in Ottawa – Sparks Street is right in the heart of them. Welcome to your personal & pedestrian travel hub. Sparks Street is often distinguished by the boldness of its decorative multicoloured masonry, its fenestration and its rooflines - Victorian Italianate style, Renaissance Revival, Romanesque Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco... Look up, look wayyyyy up - discover the detail and story behind every facade. Beaux Arts 1885-1925 An opulent subset of the Neoclassical and Greek Revival architectural styles. A dominant design during the Gilded Age, Beaux Arts was a popular but short-lived movement in North America. Also known as Beaux-Arts Classicism, Academic Classicism, or Classical Revival, Beaux Arts is a late and eclectic form of Neoclassicism. It combines classical architecture from ancient Greece and Rome with Renaissance ideas. Beaux-Arts architecture became part of the late 19th century American Renaissance movement. Beaux Arts is characterized by order, symmetry, formal design, grandiosity, and elaborate ornamentation. Architectural characteristics include balustrades, balconies, columns, cornices, pilasters, and triangular pediments. Stone exteriors are massive and grandiose in their symmetry; interiors are typically polished and lavishly decorated with sculptures, swags, medallions, flowers, and shields. Interiors will often have a grand stairway and opulent ballroom. Large arches rival the ancient Roman arches. Beaux-Arts style is most commonly used for public buildings like museums, railway stations, libraries, banks, courthouses, and government buildings. (Source: Craven, Jackie. "Discover the Beauty of Beaux Arts." ThoughtCo, Feb. 11, 2020, thoughtco.com/what-is-beaux-arts-architecture-178195.) Some Examples of Beaux-Arts on Sparks Street: 119 Sparks Street 125 Sparks Street 47-59 Sparks Street 180 Wellington Street Romanesque Revival 1840-1900 Buildings of Romanesque Revival style are most easily identified by their pronounced round arches and heavy, massive stone or brick construction. Most have round towers, squat columns and decorative plaques with intricate or interlacing patterns. Since masonry buildings were more expensive to build than wooden ones, Romanesque Revival structures are less common than some of the other Victorian era styles executed in wood. With its strong sense of gravity and permanence, the Romanesque Revival style was especially suited to churches, university buildings, prisons and other public buildings. (Source: http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/architecture/styles/romanesque-revival.html) Masonry construction Round arches at entrance windows Heavy and massive appearance Polychromatic stonework on details Round tower Squat columns Decorative plaques Some Examples of Romanesque Revival on Sparks Street: 177-179 Sparks Street 181-183 Sparks Street Art Deco 1925-1940 The Art Deco style is one of the easiest to identify since its sharp-edged looks and stylized geometrical decorative details are so distinctive. Art Deco buildings have a sleek, linear appearance with stylized, often geometric ornamentation. The primary façade of Art Deco buildings often feature a series of set backs that create a stepped outline. Low-relief decorative panels can be found at entrances, around windows, along roof edges or as string courses. Art Deco buildings feature distinctive smooth finish building materials such as stucco, concrete block, glazed brick or mosaic tile. Decorative details can incorporate various artistic or exotic motifs to suit the building's function or the architect's whim. Smooth wall surface Sharp edged, linear appearance Stylized decorative elements using geometrical forms, motifs zigzags, chevrons Low relief decorative panels Stepped or set back front facade Strips of windows with decorative spandrels Reeding and fluting around doors and windows Some Examples of Art Deco on Sparks Street: 144 Wellington Street 130 Sparks Street (Hardy Arcade) 62 Sparks Street (now Riviera restaurant) 47-59 Sparks Street Postal Station B For more Sparkitecture visit: https://www.sparkslive.com/architecture

Ottawa International Buskerfest Cancelled for 2020 JULY 20, 2020 It is with heavy hearts and physical distancing safety measures at the top of mind that we must announce the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Ottawa International Buskerfest. Even with the recent announcement of the Stage 3 reopening, we feel it is not yet safe for us to host our well-loved, family-friendly festival. The Sparks Street BIA continues to work closely with its membership and key partners, including City of Ottawa, Ottawa Festivals, Ottawa Tourism, Ottawa Coalition of BIAs, and Ottawa Public Health as we navigate COVID-19. We look forward to the return of Ottawa International Buskerfest in 2021 -  and flexible like an acrobat, we sincerely look forward to bringing you the best experience possible. We will see you, our amazing visitors, renowned artists and dazzling street performers soon and we thank you for all the support. Until we can clap together again, please follow safety guidelines, stay healthy, and visit our friendly local businesses. Please direct any inquiries to kevin@sparkslive.com.

Now that the City of Ottawa has been mandated to adopt mandatory mask use within enclosed (indoor) public spaces, we’ve got to step up and continue our nation’s progress towards crushing the curve of COVID-19! It’s important for us to protect our community and it is our responsibility as citizens to ensure we follow these new regulations. There are a variety of options open to us (assuming you do not require a medical grade mask) including making our own masks at home. Scarves, bandannas, cloth, and makeshift filters from coffee to paper towel how-to guides are circling the internet at present. If DIY isn’t your thing, we strongly encourage you to support local businesses and keep an eye out for ‘Made in Canada’. Several of our members on Sparks Street have recognized the need for readily accessible and reusable non-medical masks and have stocked their shelves to make it easier (especially for those in the downtown core) to purchase masks. Some of these sellers also offer online ordering. Here are businesses NOW selling non-medical masks on Sparks Street: Benton’s Menswear Ottawa Benton's Menswear, located in 240 Sparks, is making non-medical masks for adults and children. They are available for $18 each with next day in store pick up or shipping. Benton’s Menswear partners with CHEO and some of the proceeds of their tailor-made mask sales goes to the foundation. You can buy these Canadian-made masks on their website. Canada’s Four Corners Canada’s Four Corners is selling made in Canada, all cotton, reversible masks with pocket for filter from $16.98 - $19.98. They have adult and child sizes in a variety of Canadiana styles true to their store. You can call at 613-233-2322 or visit them at 115 Sparks Street. Morgante Menswear Limited Morgante Menswear recently stocked their shelves with Canadian-made adult face masks which are produced with 3-ply cotton with removable filter. They are washable and match the styles of their sharp shirt designs. They run for $25 each and can be found in store at 141 Sparks Street. You can also call in advance: (613) 234-2232. Winners Winners on Sparks is now selling reusable 100% cotton masks in small, medium, and large which accommodates children to adults. Some are equipped with a filter pocket and they range from $12.99 - $24.99 in black, white, or gray. You can visit them at 155 Queen Street at the corner of Sparks. The Watch Store (Swatch)/ Jewellery Plus II If you’re in a pinch and need a quick disposable mask, you can pop into either the Swatch Store or Jewellery Plus II for a $1.99 paper adult-sized mask. They are located at 91 and 145 Sparks Street respectively. Remember before judging strangers: not all individuals are able to wear a mask! For those who can, MASK UP and do so proudly because you are doing it primarily for the safety and wellbeing of others. Tag us into your Sparks masks on social media! We’d love to see you out and about enjoying the open air on our historical pedestrian street in safety and style 😉. #MySparksStreet #MASKOTT

There are lots of places to sip a cup, enjoy a cozy corner, or spot outside people watching with the backdrop of our historic views. Almost makes you wish you could travel – let your coffee cup be that vessel. Tour incredible coffee curation from across the world available in our Sparks Street cafes. Where did your coffee come from? These are just a few picks from the international coffee profiles of Sparks Street! Is your mug ready? Let’s go on a (caffeinated) adventure! Bridgehead 96 Sparks Street Light: Darn Tasty Decaf Origin: Jaén, Cajamarca, Peru, Waterpressed in Veracruz, Mexico Profile: Water processed for decaffeinated delight. Plenty of cocoa and caramel aromas arising from full medium roasting with soft dried fruit character. Creamy and smooth. Medium: Centro House Origin: Planadas, Tolima, Colombia and San Jose des Lourdes, Cajamarca, Peru Profile: As a Full Medium this coffee has a slight sweetness and acidity and just a hint of bitters, making for a very well rounded and satisfying cup. The blend is designed to highlight a range of flavours typical of washed coffees from medium to high altitudes. Creamy, smooth and round. Caramels, nuts, cacao, vanilla. Medium: Bytown Boom Origin: Las Capucas, Copan, Honduras Profile: A classic dark profile with a strong, smooth & robust character, located in the mid range of dark roasting, this coffee offers a moderate intensity of bitters giving the cup ample bite without dominating the profile. Classic dark roast aromas of dark chocolate, chocolate malt and smoke. Creamy, full and round dark chocolate, chocolate malt and smoke. Dark: Log Driver Espresso Origin: Planadas, Tolima, Colombia and San Jose des Lourdes, Cajamarca, Peru Profile: Hardworking and nimble with ample cocoa and caramel flavour, well ripened, mid to high altitude washed coffees in this blend bring it a pure and delicious flavour of gentle roast carmelization, yielding a strong aroma rememiscent of cocoa and dark caramel sure to satisfy on its own or with dairy. Syrupy, smooth and round More for your cup: https://www.bridgehead.ca/ Le Moulin de Province 30 Metcalfe Street Medium: Happy Goat Colombia Popayán Origin: Popayán, Colombia Profile: Light tasting, fully washed, Chocolate / Floral Acidity / Good Sweetness Dark: Happy Goat Brazilian Peaberry Dark Origin: Directly Sourced Vereda Bahia, Brazil Profile: Dark Chocolate / Nutty / Slightly Fruity / Smooth / Sweet This cup is smooth and creamy, with good body and sweetness. Medium acidity, amazing aroma. Dark: Happy Goat Ethiopian Guji Espresso Origin: Single Origin Espresso, Oromia Region, Guji Ethiopia Profile: Spicy / Nutty / Lemon A "trendy" espresso with the focus on flavour and acidity, this bean from the Ethiopian highlands is characterized by sweetness and a good body. A flavourful espresso with medium crema. More for your cup: http://moulindeprovencekd.ca Little Victories Coffee Roasters 48 Elgin Street (OPENING SOON!) Light: Sunshine Origin: Lake Atitlán, San Antonio,and San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá Profile: bright and sweet, with a clean mouth feel, syrupy finish and is a very easy drinking.two-component coffee blend changes seasonally to ensure freshness of the green beans involved Medium: Colombia Frank Torres Origin: La Pradera, Nariño, Southern Colombia Frank Torres inherited father’s farm, continues the legacy. He supervises the picking of only ripe cherries, and then ensures that the cherries are carefully sorted before pulping. This is then where the fermentation process begins, leaving the cherries for 24hrs and carefully making sure the temperature never rises about 25 degrees celsius. From there, he de-pulps and leaves the coffee to ferment in pickle barrels for 25-30hrs. When the Ph reaches 4 and the brixometer reaches 9 degrees brix, he washes the coffee and then makes sure it is dried in the shade. Profile: passionfruit, lavender jam, honey Dark: 7/10 Split Espresso Origin: Brazil & Guatamala Profile: Smooth and sweet with creamy mouthfeel, delicate flavours of fruit and sage pop off your tongue, with a mesmerizing raw cacao finish More for your cup: https://www.lvcoffee.ca/ Starbucks 131 Queen Street & 100 Kent Street Light: True North Blend Origin: Latin America Profile: Roasting this blend of specially chosen Latin American beans for a shorter time allows the delicate nuances of soft cocoa and lightly toasted nuts to blossom. High-quality 100% Arabica beans. Light and gentle. This Blend is unique to Canada. Medium: Pike Place Roast Origin: Latin America Profile: Number one requested, created 2008 by master blenders, it’s a smooth, well-rounded blend of Latin American coffees with subtly rich flavours of chocolate and toasted nuts. Dark: Caffe Verona Origin: Latin America Profile: A passion for the culinary romance of Italy inspired this seductive, full-bodied blend of Latin American and Asia/Pacific coffees, with Italian Roast added for depth. It’s rich and well-balanced with a dark cocoa texture and a roasty sweetness. Made with the same high-quality 100% arabica beans More for your cup: https://www.starbucks.ca/ Timothy’s World Coffee 240 Sparks Street Light: Breakfast Blend Origin: Costa Rica & Guatamala Profile: A subtle blend with a smooth, easy going flavour. Sweet, aromatic Costa Rican beans blended with smoky Guatemalan coffee beans make this a perfect solution in the morning. Medium: Colombian La Vereda Origin: Caldas, Columbia Profile: intense fragrance and flavor combining exotic floral notes with balanced body and acidity. La Vereda’s distinctive, fruity, and citric overtones can be tasted in every cup. A portion of the sales of La Vereda are donated back to the native coffee growing community in Caldas to support education for both coffee growers and their children. Dark: Kenya Noir Origin: Nyeri, Kenya Profile: the sharpness of Kenyan is given a dark roasted edge that makes this coffee another favourite of European coffee connoisseurs. It is beautifully dark and sweet with a full-mouth feel. Great either black or with milk More for your cup: https://timothyscafes.com Other places to stamp your coffee passport: Presse Café 181 Queen Street A neat location right in the heart of CBC Studios, sip an Americanos made with their Opera specialty blend. Light: Veloute Origin: Arabica Profile: This delicate filter house blend offers all the flavor of good coffee. Low in acidity, slightly full-bodied and without aftertaste, it is ideal for your morning tastings. More for your cup: http://www.pressecafe.com/en/ Tim Hortons 200 Sparks Street Why? a Canadian go-to, and one of the most requested “Where Can I find?” locations from our international tourists! More for your cup: https://www.timhortons.ca/