Ottawa nostalgia and urban development collide when the place that held your childhood firsts starts coming down by machine. Stefan Keyes grew up in Ottawa’s West End, close enough to walk to Westgate Shopping Centre. He watched his first movie there. He got his first passport photo there. He has not been inside in years and he is going to miss it anyway.

There is a difference between a place you visit and a place that holds something for you. Stefan Keyes names it precisely: the physical manifestation of memory. When it goes, the instant recall goes with it.

The new Ottawa is bigger, shinier, and genuinely exciting. It is also missing something that the reclining seats and the VIP section cannot replace.

Topics: Westgate Shopping Centre Ottawa, nostalgia urban development, childhood memories Ottawa West End, human connection, Stefan Keyes CTV CFRA

GUEST: Stefan Keyes | cfra.com

Originally aired on2026-06-02