Sandy Hill neighbourhood gets boost with new patio

Working Title Terrace is officially open for business. The open-air courtyard restaurant located at 330 Laurier Avenue East, just steps away from Strathcona Park. An outdoor bar and grill can now be found under the tree canopy, surrounded by the stone walls of the former church, which is now known as the All Saints event venue.

The space now has a café that’s open seven days a week that offers dinner service, Sunday Brunch and ice cream from The Merry Dairy. A culinary team led by Executive Chef Jef Charlebois and supported by Chef Nena Ngo, have also developed seasonal menus exclusively for the new space.

The venue is also now wheelchair and stroller accessible from Blackburn Avenue. A bike parking and repair stand will be also become available for visiting cyclists in the future.

The redevelopment of the terrace is the result of a three year collaboration between neighbours and business investors. The goal of the addition was to create an inviting outdoor space for the Sandy Hill’s community and for visitors.

Many members of the heritage community, such as The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre, came out in support of the event.

“As Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, I’m delighted that the Working Title Terrace will help to revitalize Laurier Avenue East and improve the visitor experience at Laurier House,” says McKenna, adding that, “Green spaces enrich our community in invaluable ways and by working together we are creating outdoor environments that are welcoming, engaging, and are leaving a lasting impact for all Ottawans.”

Mathieu Fleury, City Councillor for the Rideau-Vanier Ward, who also attended the opening, shared his thoughts on the project as well.

“The All Saints project offers an excellent example of adaptive re-use of a heritage building, creating an important gathering space in the Nation’s Capital,” says Fleury of the project, “The Sandy Hill community should be extremely proud of this project. I hope that others will see it as an example of the way, when done right, redevelopment can add to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods.”