Tourism-dependent businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau face uncertain future

For folks walking through the ByWard Market these days, one of the few sounds that sticks out is the chirping of birds.

Normally a busy tourist destination, the market is mostly empty as stores, bars and restaurants stay closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Some businesses have even boarded up their windows as they wait to hear when they can resume normal operations.

"When you see that the buildings are boarded up because the businesses can't open, it's difficult," said Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury, who represents the area, in a French-language interview with Radio-Canada.

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"These are people who have invested heart and soul in their businesses — who, like us, are at home and impatiently waiting to relaunch."

Up to $400,000 in losses, survey says

More than 80 per cent of businesses in the ByWard Market have been forced to close, according to a survey conducted by the Downtown Rideau Business Improvement Area, which represents the interests of more than 550 merchants. 

Some shop owners have estimated losses of up to $400,000 since the pandemic began, the BIA said.

Fleury doesn't hide his concern that some stores might not open their doors again, especially if the lucrative summer tourism season doesn't materialize.

"They will do their best to reopen," he said. "But some have told us that it will be [like climbing] Mount Everest."

A short walk away, Sparks Street isn't faring much better. 

"At this time of year, normally, Sparks Street is prepared for the summer season," said Kevin McHale, general manager of the Sparks Street Business Improvement Area.

"Next week, we were supposed to have the PoutineFest. Normally, it's high season for us."

Recovery 'will take months'

Across the river, Tourisme Outaouais plans to focus more on drawing visitors from local areas, according to president and CEO France Bélisle. 

Bélisle said she believes her industry will need to attract people from Ottawa and eastern Ontario as the pandemic is lifted in months to come.

"What will happen, most likely, is that we will slowly resume activities in our communities. Then it will be in the region, then the bordering regions, then [all of] Quebec," she said.

"This whole recovery will take months."