Under relentless development pressure, urban public lands in Ottawa have increasingly fallen to development. We can plan better than this.
Gouhar Shemdin, a conservation architect, argues that Ottawa is failing to realize its potential as the "Capital of the North." He highlights the city's neglect of its urban design heritage, such as Lansdowne Park and LeBreton Flats, which have been sold for private developments. Shemdin advocates for preserving public lands and prioritizing environmental and architectural design over revenue-driven development, as seen in other global capitals. He emphasizes the need for legislation to protect Ottawa's heritage, urging a shift from short-term gains to long-term cultural and environmental stewardship.
