Project Overview

The City of Ottawa has initiated a Public Realm Plan and Functional Design Study for Centrum Boulevard. The project will take place from Place d’Orléans Drive to Brisebois Crescent (eastern most intersection), and Prestone Drive from Centrum Boulevard to Saint. Joseph Boulevard, as shown in the map below. The intersections at Place d’Orléans Drive and Saint. Joseph Boulevard are excluded from the study area. The project is entirely within Ward 1 – Orléans East–Cumberland.

Centrum Boulevard functions as the civic and cultural spine of the Orléans Town Centre, accommodating major community destinations, institutions, commercial uses, and existing and planned residential and mixed‑use developments.

Originally designed in the 1990s as an integrated town centre boulevard, the corridor emphasized a seamless transition between the public and private realms through coordinated paving, landscape treatments and public spaces.

Key destinations in the area include the Shenkman Arts Centre, Peter D. Clark Place, and the Orléans Town Centre Mall. Many events and festivals are also hosted on Centrum Boulevard, drawing large crowds at different times during the day and evening.

Now approaching the end of its lifecycle, much of the surface infrastructure on the streets and sidewalks are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and needs replacement. In other words, Centrum Boulevard and Prestone Drive are in need of a renewal.

The Centrum Boulevard Public Realm Plan aims to:

• Create a renewed vision for the public right-of-way along Centrum Boulevard and Prestone Drive that strengthens the area’s identity and sense of place
• Review the design and location of public and private gathering spaces to support year-round use, community events, and cultural activities
• Identify opportunities for pedestrian amenities such as seating, shade, lighting, and public art
• Create safer and more accessible connections for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists
• Explore ways to enhance greenery along the corridor through street trees, landscaping, and planters
• Provide guidance for adjacent private property owners on how public realm and streetscape improvements could extend onto private properties
• Consider long-term durability, maintenance, and operational requirements in all design recommendations

The intent of this renewal project is to improve the visitor experience by updating the overall character and amenities of the street. Resulting in an attractive, safe, inclusive, and sustainable corridor for the community, visitors, and residents.