Rideau Centre to remain closed until further notice

Despite progress made from the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) over the weekend during the trucker protest, the Rideau Centre said it will remain closed until further notice.

The mall, which has been closed since Saturday, January 29, says the conditions for reopening will be evaluated on a daily basis in collaboration with community partners.

“From the start of this situation, we have had ongoing engagement with City of Ottawa officials and the Ottawa Police Service,” the shopping centre says in a statement released on Sunday, February 6.

“Throughout this time and as of Sunday, February 6, Cadillac Fairview has been advised that authorities cannot provide any assurances that it is safe to reopen or that the police service would be able to assist our security personnel in maintaining public order and safety within and around CF Rideau Centre.”

Cadillac Fairview added that it is “increasingly concerned” about the economic impact and financial burden for the 175 business and its employees in the mall.

“The continued closure of an important community space, the loss of employment income and the financial impact on our clients is heart-breaking given all of our shared pain and sacrifice during the pandemic,” the retail operator says.

“The situation in Ottawa's downtown core is untenable and we call on all levels of government to collaborate on a solution.”