By Michelle Ramsay-Borg
There’s been lots of buzz this spring over North Dal, Lowertown’s main street on the edge of the market. A host of media outlets, ranging from CBC Radio to the New York Daily News, have covered what’s hot and happening on the stretch of Dalhousie Street that runs northward from St. Patrick Street to Boteler Street.
The North Dal shopping district comprises over 30 independent businesses and a handful of branch or franchise businesses. In addition to the several designer boutiques, gift and jewelry shops, ethnic food spots, coffee shops and aesthetics salons, you will find two chocolatiers, a locavore resto and an organic spa. There’s also a yoga studio, a school of photography, a kitchen store, and a crystal boutique where you can have your palm read. The newest shop is Smudge Beauty Bar, and the oldest is Pharmacie Brisson—which has been located at the corner of Dalhousie and Guigues Street since its founding in 1921.
“Walking North Dal is a series of a-ha! moments”, says Frédérique Tsai-Klassen, owner of Das Lokal Kitchen + Bar on Dalhousie. “The combination of dine, shop, pamper is perfect for the people in this neighbourhood—and for other residents of Ottawa. We give them something they can’t get elsewhere.”
For business owners along Dalhousie Street, lower rent is the big draw. Once installed, they find something even better: cool neighbours who share similar views about business. “We built a store we want to hang out in”, explains Nathan Dubo, owner of Wunderkammer Gifts and Curios. “Every store is a reflection of who we are. We’re part of something, we see each other outside of business hours.”
Frédérique adds, “Cross-referencing is the most unique aspect. No competitors, all cooperators.” Designer Lococina will send you to Amanda May for lingerie to wear under your T-back dress, and Amanda May will recommend Victoire for accessories, where your boyfriend will overhear that L’Hexagone has just received some cool summer-weight shirts from Italy.
North Dal has received some great support from the ByWard Market BIA (Business Improvement Area). “There’s so much that needs to be done on the street that I don’t think we’ll lack for projects going forward”, says Nathan. We’re advocating for beautification and security, talking about streetscaping and more lighting north of Guigues. “We are making it a beautiful place to eat and shop.” Destination shopping districts such as Vancouver’s Gastown and Spring Garden Road in Halifax come to mind as he talks about the merchants’ vision for North Dal. He continues, “The public, the neighbourhood is taking ownership. They want to know who we are.”
With all that enthusiasm from business owners and local residents, it’s no wonder there’s so much buzz.