By Hannah Manning
Summer in Lowertown is looking a bit different than past years, but there is still plenty to look forward to. COVID-19 has shaped the last few months and will certainly be reshaping summer plans.
With the announcement that Ottawa is entering Phase 2 of reopening, the ByWard Market will start to return to “normal”. Patios and more local businesses can welcome back patrons after many hard weeks. As time progresses, we’ll see how many businesses have made the decision to move out of the Market or had to close down. The Smoque Shack, Tucker’s Marketplace, the Highlander Pub and Textures Hair Salon are some examples of businesses that won’t be reopening. Good news for those craving some BBQ or some scotch: you can still enjoy the Smoque Shack at Beyond the Pale in the City Centre, or some Scotch at the owners’ other location, , Deacon Brodies on Elgin Street.
announced it will not re-open. No more free birthday dinners. Photo: John McQuarrie
There has been a concerted effort during COVID-19 to support local businesses and hopefully this will continue in the coming weeks and months. There’s no better time than now to be a tourist in your own city and rediscover its hidden gems. We can look to Ottawa Markets and the ByWard BIA to help champion local businesses, but it is always great to get out and support our neighbours any way we can.
Speaking of Ottawa Markets … they recently announced that the ByWard Market is reopening after a few weeks of online operations, which is .great news for anyone looking to stock up on fresh local fruits and vegetables. There are also reports that plans are underway to close down some streets to allow for pedestrian traffic and patios where customers can physically distance. Last summer’s pilot that saw William Street transformed into a pedestrian-friendly space was a huge success. These days, one needs only to look at the success of the National Capital Commission’s closure of various parkways to allow for greater pedestrian traffic to see how much Ottawa welcomes greater access to the outdoors. Not only do these street closures encourage physical distancing, they also encourage residents to visit parts of town on foot or by bike, two methods that many have embraced as a way to beat the fatigue associated with physical distancing.
Usually one of the highlights of the summer, Canada Day celebrations have moved online this year. With renovations on Parliament Hill, the original plan was to move celebrations to Major’s Hill Park. The latest plan has celebrations moving to your home. Canadian Heritage will be releasing downloadable celebration kits online (fireworks not included).
As people head out to a patio or choose to stay home, remember to be kind. We are still learning to navigate our way through new and unfamiliar times. A smile, even hidden behind a mask, goes a long way.