The Angel at the intersection
By Sandra Pilote
One cool overcast September morning, another angel appeared in Lowertown East in a continuing tribute to Brian Doyle’s book “Angel Square” and to Anglesea Square, Jules Morin Park’s former name. Approximately 30 students from the art program at Ecole Secondaire De La Salle began the work of outlining the approved street painting design, under the direction of Grant Holmes. By mid-morning, more than 200 enthusiastic students from Samuel Genest, Sainte Anne and York Street Schools had gathered to colour in the outline. Members of the Lowertown East Residents Committee worked through the day to direct traffic away from the painting site.
Throughout the day of September 12th, the energy generated by the students and the active work of community members fuelled an increased sense of neighbourhood. Working together on a project that will enhance Lowertown East for several years, residents experienced another example of collective action to build a safer and more engaged community.
This city-funded “Paint the Street” project was the initiative of Suneeta Millington, a Sandy Hill resident. The project grew out of the concern of Lowertown and Sandy Hill residents about the proposal to open Chapel Street at Beausoleil permanently once Rideau Street reconstruction is finished. This intersection was considered to be too busy to fall within the parameters of the city program’s mandate, so a nearby location was selected.
The traffic circle near Ste Anne and York Street schools and the walkways along Chapel Street that were permanently closed during the 1970s urban renewal proved ideal for the project. From February to April, representatives from schools, community agencies and residents worked to successfully develop a design: an angel in a nod to Anglesea Square, and a fish and a heron that evoke the Ottawa and Rideau rivers.
The safety issues raised by the possible reopening of Chapel Street now need renewed attention, in light of a new development proposal on the former Jewish community centre and synagogue site. Two towers – one of 27 storeys and a second of 32 storeys – are expected to have 785 residential units with retail on the lower levels. If the intersection is opened as proposed, constant traffic from the residents, delivery trucks and shoppers will access Beausoleil Drive directly across from Ste Anne primary school. Lowertown East would need more than painted angels as we all work to keep our streets safe and secure for pedestrians of all ages.