Bank Street BIA Launches The Village Legacy Project

New Historical Initiative Honouring the Role Played by Bank Street in the Story of Ottawa's LGBTTQ+ Community Includes Exhibition and App (villagelegacy.bankstreet.ca, available on Google Play and the Apple Store)

The Village Legacy Project Exhibition at Wallack Galleries (225 Bank Street)
Launch Party: Tuesday, August 22, 5 to 8 pm
Featuring archival photos, an introduction of our commemorative plaque series, and a stroll down Bank Street to see our new public art installation
Exhibition Dates: August 22 to 27, 9:30 am to 8 pm

OTTAWA, Aug. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Join Bank Street BIA for the launch party of its newest initiative, The Village Legacy Project, on Tuesday, August 22. The Village Legacy Project looks at the Village and the history of the local LGBTTQ+ community over tie. Drawing from a number of archival sources, including interviews with over 35 activists and leaders, The Village Legacy Project takes an insightful, poignant look at Bank Street's LGBTTQ+ history, and includes an interactive website and mobile app with short documentaries (villagelegacy.bankstreet.ca).

"This project is important, because Bank Street has served as a significant LGBTTQ+ space for over 60 years," says Christine Leadman, Executive Director of Bank Street BIA. "Ottawa's first Pride Parade, and many thereafter, have included Bank Street. Additionally, many of the organizations serving the community have at one point or another been located somewhere on or near Bank Street."

Bank Street's LGBTTQ+ history started in the 1950s. However, the genesis of the Village really began in the 1980s with spaces like Centretown Pub, Club 363, and the GO Centre. Many other businesses, bars and organizations migrated to Bank Street as the years passed. The Village became officially designated by the City of Ottawa in November 2011.

Project Sponsors

City of Ottawa, Government of Ontario, Swirl and Twirl, Daily Xtra, Wallack Galleries

About Bank Street BIA (www.bankstreet.ca)

Bank Street Business Improvement Area is a multi-block community and shopping district, stretching from Wellington Street to the Queensway, that provides programs designed to enhance the downtown Bank Street experience. Downtown Bank Street is a premier business, cultural and entertainment destination in the Ottawa area.

SOURCE Bank Street BIA

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