As the morning sun warmed the pavement along one of Ottawa’s most iconic streets yesterday, city workers carefully installed temporary signs that transformed a stretch of Bank Street into “Charge Avenue.” The symbolic gesture celebrates our Ottawa Charge basketball team’s thrilling playoff run in their inaugural season.
“This city has basketball fever,” said Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who unveiled the first sign near the corner of Bank and Laurier. “The Charge have captured our imagination and brought the community together in ways we couldn’t have predicted.”
The renamed section extends from Wellington Street to Gladstone Avenue, covering the heart of downtown where thousands of fans have gathered to watch games on outdoor screens. The temporary name change will remain throughout the team’s playoff journey.
Susan Chen, who operates a small bakery on Bank Street, told me she’s already created special “Charge cookies” with the team’s distinctive lightning bolt logo. “My customers can’t get enough of them. The playoffs have been great for business, but even better for community spirit.”
The Ottawa Charge, playing in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, have defied expectations in their first season. After finishing third in the regular season standings, they’ve surged through the early playoff rounds with a combination of gritty defense and clutch shooting.
“What makes this team special is how they represent Ottawa’s character,” explained City Councillor Ariel Troster. “They’re scrappy, determined, and they never give up – just like our city.”
The renamed street has quickly become a focal point for fans and tourists alike. Yesterday afternoon, I watched as visitors stopped to take selfies with the new street signs, many wearing the team’s black and gold merchandise.
The team’s success has had measurable economic impacts beyond merchandise sales. According to the Ottawa Business Improvement Association, restaurants and bars along Bank Street have reported a 30% increase in business on game nights.
“We’ve had to bring in extra staff for every playoff game,” said James Wilson, manager at The Score Sports Bar. “Even for away games, we’re packed with fans wanting to watch together. There’s something special about experiencing these moments as a community.”
The Charge’s playoff run comes at a perfect time for downtown businesses still recovering from pandemic-related challenges. The foot traffic and economic boost have been welcomed by an area that has struggled with office vacancies and reduced tourism.
Ottawa Tourism estimates that the playoff games have attracted over 3,000 visitors from outside the region, generating approximately $1.2 million in additional spending throughout the city.
“Sports have always been a powerful economic driver,” explained Catherine McKenney, executive director of the Downtown Ottawa Business Association. “But beyond the dollars and cents, this team has created a sense of pride that’s palpable when you walk downtown.”
For many longtime residents, the enthusiasm reminds them of past playoff runs by the Ottawa Senators. The difference, many tell me, is that basketball has attracted a younger, more diverse fan base that reflects our city’s changing demographics.
“My kids weren’t interested in hockey, but they’re obsessed with the Charge,” said Michael Nguyen, who I met photographing the new street signs with his two teenagers. “We’ve been to three games together. It’s something we can all enjoy as a family.”
The team practices at the TD Place arena but plays home games at the Canadian Tire Centre. Both venues have sold out for playoff matches, with ticket prices on secondary markets reaching three times face value.
Coach Thomas Williams has repeatedly praised Ottawa fans for creating what he calls “the best home-court advantage in the league.” During yesterday’s press conference, he specifically mentioned the street renaming as motivation for his players.
“When you see an entire city rally behind you like this, it adds an extra level of responsibility,” Williams said. “Our guys understand they’re not just playing for themselves, but for everyone in Ottawa.”
The next playoff game is scheduled for tomorrow night. Win or lose, Bank Street – or rather, Charge Avenue – will host a viewing party with multiple screens set up between Slater and Albert Streets.
As I walked the newly named avenue yesterday evening, the sense of community was undeniable. Street musicians played impromptu versions of the team’s entrance song, while restaurants offered “Charge Specials” on their menus.
In a city often defined by its political identity, the Charge have provided a refreshing alternative narrative. For now at least, conversations downtown are more likely to be about zone defense strategies than government policies.
The “Charge Avenue” signs may be temporary, but the memories being created along this historic Ottawa street will last long after they’re removed.
