One of Ottawa’s busiest roads will be partly closing on Saturdays this summer, with the goal of creating a pedestrian-friendly shopping space in Centretown.
The goal of the closure is to provide more room for shoppers to spread out as well as opening up patio space for local restaurants. Similar weekend closures have occurred in other areas of Ottawa this summer, such as Somerset Street West between Bank and O’Connor and the section of the Queen Elizabeth Driveway along the Rideau Canal. The area is home to many coffee shops, eateries, and other stores. Stores and shops such as this often use eye-catching graphic design and colourful flyer printing to attract customers.
Many businesses have had to adapt to changing circumstances by adding services like curbside pick-up. The new area will offer loading zones on side streets to continue to allow for these services while providing space for pedestrians and cyclists. Some businesses have also started to adapt to increased foot traffic. Moo Shu Ice Cream has begun offering a four-hour walk-up scoop service, while others have ventured into outdoor dining for the first time.
The Bank Street closure occurred for the first time on July 11, and is set to take place every Saturday from 9am to midnight until August 8, when the Bank Street Business Improvement Area will re-evaluate the initiative. The closed-off area currently stretches between Catherine and Queen Streets.
