"Gay Village” along Ottawa’s Bank Street

Efforts to formally implement a “gay village” along Ottawa’s Bank Street have received quite a boost recently in the form of increased, all-important visibility.

In late June, Bridgehead Coffeehouse on Bank and Gilmour prominently mounted two rainbow flags in support of what has come to be known as “The Village Initiative.”  If formalized, the initiative would designate a six block stretch between Nepean and James Streets into a full-fledged LGBTQ-friendly zone—and effectively cement the area’s status as a safe haven in the tradition of San Francisco’s famed Castro district. 

By mounting these huge, multi-coloured equality symbols, this popular, funky, and free-trade coffee and tea purveyor joins the ranks of merchants dedicated to promoting a gay-friendly ambience in the heart of one of Canada’s most diverse neighbourhoods.  Both flags currently wave freely and proudly, ensuring high traffic visibility from both corners of its location “We’re happy to support the Village Initiative”, affirms Tracey Clark, Bridgehead Coffeehouse co-owner.

And although Bridgehead’s banners are among the most conspicuous, this hotspot coffeehouse is not the only Bank Street business committed to graciously serving the LGBTQ community; queer-positive window flags and rainbow decals already adorn The 2nd Cup, After Stonewall, Wilde’s, and Abiwin Co-op and Inn.  However, additional retailers and restaurants must step up to publicly affirm their support for this important initiative and mobilise much-needed funds for what is arguably Ottawa’s most high-profile “gaybourhood”. 
Enter The Village Committee.

Spearheaded in 2006 by businessman Glenn Crawford, this seven-member group is the driving force behind The Village Initiative.  Thanks to tireless grassroots and fundraising efforts, their collective vision of a peaceful commercial hamlet is moving from conceptualization to actualization; bringing more business owners into alliance with The Village Committee is the springboard for moving The Village Initiative into reality.  Quite simply, increased visibility = increased clout.

But what would a formal LGBTQ district bring to everyday Ottawans, namely us consumers? Imagine, if you will:

• his/his and hers/hers wedding registries at your local village shop. 
• Imagine treating your lover to a romantic anniversary dinner—and openly toasting with the restaurant staff. 
• Imagine strolling hand-in-hand with your partner on a public sidewalk under a sea of rainbow banners.  Imagine, if you will, the openness that comes with being yourself, sans pride parades. 
• Coalescing a major streetscape into our very own village would allow LGBTQ tourists, natives, and allies the freedom of such fearless cultural expressions within a welcoming community—the larger impact of which cannot be ignored. 

Besides being fun, The Village shows the city that our community is a cohesive, visible, and socioeconomically VITAL presence.  Garnering support for this initiative ultimately shows that we all count, and that, together, we can leave an indelible handprint on Ottawa’s historical landscape.

After all, lasting change begins with an army of one; if The Village Initiative succeeds, this mini-renaissance heralds only the beginning of Ottawa’s future as a gay Mecca.

For updates on the Village initiative click here.