The New SOPA District in Ottawa

SoPa stands for South of Parliament, taken from the SoHo (South of Houston St) District in New York City. The idea was to rebrand the neighbourhood in order to encourage people to return to it, reinvigorating the area after a major slowdown during the pandemic.

Source: Ottawa Citizen

There has been lots of controversy in the news about the renaming, from a variety of jokesters commenting on the name to some serious criticism about the seriousness of the slowdown we’ve seen in the area since the pandemic.

We spoke with Mitch MacKenzie about the district’s renaming:

Mitch explains he’s on the fence about the topic. In some ways, the neighbourhood needs some fresh eyes on the businesses, restaurants, and venues in the area. However, he suggests some other major upgrades that would make the “SoPa” district more attractive to consumers, including better options for parking. Especially in the winter months, he explains, with the snow banks and parking bans, it is nearly impossible to get into the area and park if you don’t live there.

Mitch thinks the name is catchy, but it will take a while to catch on. Most people know the area as Centretown or the Financial District, and it is reminiscent of the SoBa building (South on Bank) which already exists in the Ottawa area. It will take a while to catch on and perhaps longer before people start using it regularly.

Mitch says some of his favourite condominiums in the area are as follows:

• The Mondrian - 324 Laurier West. A modern condo with an outdoor pool and dining area, as well as a gym.

• Re-Residences - 101 Queen Street - Known for gorgeous views and a luxury lifestyle including a sauna, lounge, wine cellar, catering kitchen, and more.

• Tribeca - 179 Metcalfe - A statement 24-storey building with guest suites, a gym and pool, party room, and more.

• Bowery - 255 Bay Street - Known for its rooftop indoor pool, yoga centre, gym, and saunas.

• Gotham - 224 Lyon - Known for bold concrete architecture and stand-out design.

• The Slater - 199 Slater - Known for a bold take on 50s architecture as well as a fitness centre, lounge, and theatre.

Meet Mitch MacKenzie

Mitch@NewPurveyors.com