Gift cards enticing Ottawans to 'Come Back Downtown'
It's been months since Steven Dimauro has been in the ByWard Market.
"It is good to be back," he said. The last time the Orléans resident made the trip to the House of Barons on Sussex Drive was in December. "I had to postpone my beard appointment a couple times because of the protest."
The "Freedom Convoy" protest and the COVID-19 pandemic—related shutdowns have taken a major toll on businesses. To help encourage people to come back into the downtown core, Nelligan Law got creative.
"Over the next few weeks, we are giving away gift cards to participating businesses," said Hannah Saunders, Nelligan Law's marketing and communications specialist.
Called the Come Back Downtown 613 Initiative, the gift cards are valued at around $200 coming from spas, restaurants and retail stores, all in the downtown core.
"All the events with protests left quite a scar on the downtown business community and residents so it's going to take time for people to come back," said Saunders. "We're hoping this initiative will help that process."
More incentives, like free parking at select downtown garages and free transit on the LRT and downtown bus routes, are also in effect, with the goal of bringing people and life back downtown.
"We feel now it's a lot safer, specifically for the kids," said Martin Patenaude, who drove from Findlay Creek with the family. "It's important for us to help out local businesses."
"It's fun and we get to see lots of people and we get to walk around lots," said his son, Nolan.
For others, it's also a chance to drop in on favourite local spots, a sign things are slowly returning back to normal.
"I usually come to Zak's or King Eddy (in the market)," said Dimauro. "I'm glad to be back enjoying the good food and being in this community."
You can follow Come Back Downtown 613 on Facebook and Instagram.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7031475.1725923234!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
2 hospitalized, suspects sought after 'extreme case of road rage' in B.C.: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are searching for two people allegedly responsible for a road rage incident that sent a couple to hospital with serious injuries, saying the suspects could be in another province.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Calgary's police chief speaks out against Alberta's anticipated photo radar crackdown
Calgary’s police chief has issued a grave warning about the potential impact of further restrictions on photo radar use in Alberta.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.
White Stripes sue Donald Trump over use of 'Seven Nation Army' riff in social media post
The White Stripes sued former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday in a case that alleges he used their hit song 'Seven Nation Army' without permission in a video posted to social media.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
One of two men sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years for firearms violations and mischief at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., says the time he has already spent behind bars has changed him and his "solemn weapon” is now love.
'You can't miss Luke Skywalker': Mark Hamill spotted filming in Manitoba town
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill rode through the streets of Stonewall, Man. last month filming scenes atop what looked to be an Army vehicle for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk."