Ottawa BIAs hoping nice weather weekend can offset losses caused by sudden restriction change
Posted Mar 18, 2021 09:21:00 PM.
Ottawa restaurants feeling blind-sided by the city's sudden flip into the province's red COVID-19 restriction zone might get a little relief this weekend, as Mother Nature looks like she's going to cooperate.
Chair of the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas Mark Kaluski was hoping restaurants might get the weekend to get rid of some inventory before the city went from orange to red, limiting capacities in restaurants and cafes, but the restrictions are set to take effect on Friday, March 19.
The good news is Environment Canada predicts daytime highs of 12 Celsius (C) and 14 C on Saturday and Sunday, with nothing but sunshine all weekend.
To further help matters, Mayor Jim Waston tweeted Thursday that he would be fast tracking the start of Ottawa's patio season for restaurants.
Just make sure you have the required proof of insurance and that you respect accessibility standards. Then follow up with the patio team (patios@ottawa.ca) as soon as possible with your application. Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe!
— Jim Watson (@JimWatsonOttawa) March 18, 2021
“We're looking at a really nice weekend, which is nice,” says Kaluski. “So if you can get out there, support [local restaurants]. These are people who give back so much to the community.”
The City of Ottawa is also looking into a possible tax break for small businesses, which Kaluski adds, would go a long way.
