Jasna Jennings, Executive Director, ByWard Market BIA
For nearly 200 years, the entrepreneurial spirit of business owners in the ByWard Market has shined through. Over two centuries Market businesses have faced a litany of challenges from malaria and Spanish flu, and two world wars to economic depressions and recessions, and through it all they have always found ways to survive and thrive. But this latest challenge: COVID-19 might prove to be the toughest yet.
Unfortunately, some did not survive the quarantine phase and closed early on, and recently we are saddened by reports of permanent closures. These businesses were long-standing members of our community and will be truly missed. Sadder still is the reality of knowing more of these announcements are to come.
But COVID hasn’t killed the entrepreneurial spirit, most of our members are fighting back and are thrilled to be re-opening and re-engaging with their customers and the community at large. Some pivoted quickly like the grocers along ByWard who banded together to offer combined grocery deliveries and orders, while others switched their focus to spearhead charitable causes. The BIA immediately identified funds in the budget to continue the Digital Main Street program and provided digital experts to help members with their online presence. This investment will assist them during the crisis but will also serve them well into recovery.
COVID could not have hit at a worse time. Most assume that July and August are the busiest months for ByWard Market businesses, however spring is in fact the bread and butter for most of our members. It all starts with Easter Long Weekend, one of the Market’s busiest weekends of the year (supported by our provincial tourism designation allowing ByWard businesses to open all weekend), Mother’s Day, (this usually coincides with the annual opening of the outdoor market), The Canadian Tulip Festival, Victoria Day Long Weekend, Ottawa Race Weekend and of course Canada Day. In addition to these celebrations, we normally host anywhere from 40-50,000 students during the months of May and June for their national annual pilgrimage to Parliament Hill/the Nation’s Capital.
All of this crucial business was lost this year. For restaurants, many had stockpiled food supplies in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Retailers had already purchased their spring stock, having done so several months in advance. Online sales, though very much appreciated, only moved a small fraction of that inventory. And then there is of course the salons, spas and other personal service businesses who were completely shuttered.
The good news is we see signs of life and hope with the re-openings. Streets and sidewalks are coming back to life and businesses are reconnecting with their regulars. But in the background is the worry and reality that our once bustling and busy downtown is now very much empty.
Tens of thousands of workers are now working from home and aren’t downtown purchasing their daily coffees and lunches, or shopping on their breaks or after work. Hotels are currently at 2-3% capacity, and the Shaw Centre Convention facility, normally hosting tens of thousands of conference and events guests per year is quiet. Add to that thousands of university students and faculty staff no longer at the University of Ottawa and it becomes frighteningly obvious the uphill battle we face attracting customers to the area. But what is even more disheartening, is the sight of customers lined up around the block at the suburban box stores and large-scale chains.
Internal operational issues are also challenging; staffing shortages, requirements for PPE and retrofitting interiors to accommodate distancing are but a short list. But as each business is unique so are their approaches to address these new realities.
COVID has changed everything and the Market will look different this summer with upcoming road and lane closures providing distancing and space for more cafe seating and patios. Retail shops have changed hours and some require advanced booking to visit by appointment only.
Some of this may be refreshing, you’ll have more elbow room at your favourite restaurant, and you can enjoy the full attention of staff at shops providing one-on-one service.
#shoplocal has never been more important. By supporting your favorite ByWard businesses, you are also ensuring that those dollars stay local as well. Those same dollars move around the community supporting all kinds of other businesses and causes.
Things are tough today, and we might be down but we sure aren’t out. But you should get out. Get out and show your love for your favourite business. Get your friends to join you in the Market for lunch or dinner or a mani-pedi or shopping trip. Share and like the great stories and posts from members. And please don’t forget to be kind and let the business owners know how much you appreciate their efforts and how happy you are to see them open again.