[spreaker episode_id=2617686 type=mini width=100% autoplay=false]
In this episode we had the pleasure of meeting up with Les Gagne, the director of Sparks Street Authority. There have been many changes happening on Sparks street, from the New Years Eve Spectacular to Winterbrewed, to many more ideas being posed in the press, we wanted to get a candid interview to discuss all things about the iconic street and its rise to prominence once again.
Music this week was from The Goodluck Assembly, playing Bluesfest on Monday July 8th on the River Stage. Their new album is “Demonstrations” and is available now.
When we spoke to Les about the many new initiatives and things that will be changing on Sparks including:
– How he came to get the new position, where he worked before
– All the stakeholders that Les has to work with
– Where Les used to live in Ottawa and where he is looking to live when he moves back
– A place he loves is the Carleton Tavern
– Spring on Sparks- Carnival covering two blocks
– Artists Alley- will be going on all summer, they are looking for artists now
– Contact the office 613-230-0984 or info@sparkslive.com
– The outdoor screen during Sens playoff games at the corner of Bank and Sparks
– It might expand to more movies, other TV events.
– Summer concert series
– Changes for the New Years Spectacular 2014
After the break we discussed:
– More on New Years
– Winterbrewed, the successes, the problems and changes going forward
– The zipline
– Chance of a streetcar on Sparks
– The food truck rally coming up
– New things for Ribfest
– Classic car rallys coming back this year (July 20th) plus classic cruise Friday nights
– Salsa on Sparks
– Changes to businesses since the new vision of Sparks
– Digital Rewards
– Marketing ideas
– Busker Fest this year (Long weekend in August)
– Why some of the new benches have no backs
