Downtown outdoor spaces

[eizenstriet]

Speaking of which, are there two less utilized green spaces than the brewer's green on King and William and the wind swept space across the street on King? What can it be done with that space to transform it into a vibrant urban space? A food kiosk and magazine stand? any ideas?

I've always thought a community oven and/or garden would bring a lot more people to the space across the street from the brewer's green.

Ironically, that's the sort of thing it used to be, as I recall. There were lovely gardens (maintained gratis by the Horticultural Society) bordered by grassy walking areas underneath lofty trees. The oasis was fondly regarded and well used by all.

For some occasion (maybe the Millennium?), the City of Waterloo decided to mess with perfection, and hired a consultant to assess the space. Has there ever been a consultant who has opined: "Things are good as they are; save my fee and do nothing"? This one was no exception. The present paving stone and concrete vista (the above-described "wind swept space") became the new vision. It may have been in case aliens decided to celebrate our Millennium with a visit - they would have a solid featureless expanse to home in on and set down their ship, and would thus choose Waterloo to make their appearance.

There was initial gushing by the enabling politicians and bureaucrats. But the aliens stayed away. The boulevard strollers left. Even the panhandlers and skateboarders declined to take over, finding the creation too bleak to occupy. No public figure now claims parentage.

So that's how we got Subtraction-by-Addition Plaza.