What is the “living in a city” vision they want to see happen? Childless 20-something singletons or doubletons who hit a cafe for lunch every day and a restaurant or pub for dinner every night? I assume they’re all walking to work.
Or, do they want a mix of such people and families who live there in a more traditional manner? This would require larger, more complex living arrangements (such as real kitchens), markets, schools, a more diverse shopping experience - more of the European than North American city or town experience.
Ottawa, in the ByWard Market, is facing this in microcosm. Load it up with tourist attractions and “partier” destinations which can yield good tax revenue but aren’t conducive to living nearby. Or, develop it for the local residents, which yield less direct revenue and reduce tourism (and move the partners elsewhere).
