By John Chenier
Whew! Who could imagine when they took on a job with a Business Improvement Area (BIA) organization that they would be confronted by a situation like this? Both the ByWard Market and the Downtown Rideau BIAs are being stretched to the limit as they try to react to the desperate needs of their members while, at the same time, think about plans that will help their members to recover once the current situation comes to an end.
According to Jasna Jennings, Executive Director of the ByWard Market BIA, her staff is spending a lot of time acting as conduits between members and the various levels of government. They are examining measures as they are announced and asking: “How will this help, or what is it missing?” While she does not have sufficient staff or expertise to help the members navigate the many government programs established to help businesses and employees, her staff have been collecting feedback on problems and forwarding it to people who can do something about them, like Mayor Jim Watson and MP Mona Fortier.
The BIAs also are acting through their umbrella group the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCoBIA). They have appointed members to serve on the task force created by Mayor Watson to propose measures to help small businesses get through these difficult times. The big issues, of course, re rent for the tenants and property taxes for the landlords. The BIAs have been active in efforts to find solutions to satisfy both parties.
Good fortune
As luck would have it, at the beginning of year the ByWard Market BIA launched an initiative to help its members venture into the digital realm. It contracted with Digital Main Street to work with member businesses to develop their on-line sales capability through Shopify. For the BIA and its members, this could not have come at a better time. Early results of these efforts can be viewed at http://byward-market.com/en/byward-market-retail-businesses-online-shopping-gift-cards/
Hopefully, this will help some businesses survive, maybe even thrive, through these trying times. The potential danger for the local community, however, is that on-line sales will work so well that the storefronts in the Market would no longer be considered necessary.
How to close shop
The ByWard BIA has been passing along advice from the Ottawa Police Service to its members. Businesses have been advised to leave some lights on; if possible, make it obvious that the cash drawer is empty; and ensure there is a suitable look on the door. The Ottawa Police Service has increased patrols on the deserted streets and are asking the public to be especially vigilant. If they see suspicious activity around a business they know to be closed, call it in. “If you see something, say something.”
Then there are things people often overlook, like messages on the phone service and directions on their websites. Many businesses still have old messages about opening hours that no longer apply. Restaurants still have messages on websites taking reservations. Where possible, these should be changed to reflect the current state of the business.
Looking ahead
Ms. Jennings and her staff have not had a lot of time to develop a vision of what a recovery might need. However, the BIA has been focusing on adding attractions to bring people down to the Market. The plan is to expand the efforts to beautify and promote the precinct.
One of the issues the BIA is working on is a waiver on rental fees for patios. Ms,Jennings is concerned that ongoing social distancing requirements will reduce the indoor capacity of restaurants once they are permitted to open. Also, patrons might prefer breathing outdoor air as a safety precaution. Her members are pushing for reduced patio fees this year.
Maybe the City could use this as a way to standardize the size and appearance of patios in the heritage district. In many places, especially along Clarence Street, the pedestrian walkways are too narrow and are not conducive to social distancing.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jennings has some advice for employees of businesses that are closed, especially hair salons. Rest up. There is going to be a lot of pent-up demand once they open for business again. According to one humorous COVID line in circulation at the moment: “As a result of social distancing, every woman is only three weeks away from showing her true colours.”